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Riley Resigns as Miami Coach

Hall-of-Famer names protege Spoelstra as replacement

By Jesse Andrews, Newser User

Posted Apr 28, 2008 10:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – On the night of his last game as an NBA head coach, Pat Riley heard the final buzzer, looked straight ahead and briskly walked away. Deep down, he knew it was over. "I didn't have to look back," Riley said. "I know that's behind me." And now, Riley's past becomes Erik Spoelstra's future.

The Hall of Fame coach resigned Monday, although he'll remain team president. His first act as Miami's former coach was to choose its new one, and hired Spoelstra, a 37-year-old who started in the Heat video room in 1995 and now becomes the NBA's youngest coach. Riley was 36 when he first became a head coach.

Erik Spoelstra smiles after being named the new Miami Heat head coach during a news conference. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Former Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley listens during a news conference after stepping down as coach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Newly named head coach Erik Spoelstra, center, is patted on the back by former coach Pat Riley, left. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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Riley Resigns as Miami Coach

Hall-of-Famer names protege Spoelstra as replacement

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Cavs Hire Firm to Probe LeBron Signing

Cleveland 'not letting go' of suspicions against Heat

Heat End Dismal Season With 113-99 Win Over Hawks

Miami avoids worst record in franchise history

Ewing, Olajuwon Head Hoops Hall Class

Riley, Vitale, Dantley among others honored

Heat Hit A New Low

Miami scores fewest baskets in history as Boston's backups romp, 88-62

Wade, Heat Finally Taste Victory Again

Guard scores 35 points as Miami breaks 15-game losing streak

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