CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Add Stan Van Gundy to the growing list of
candidates for the Charlotte Bobcats' coaching job.
Van Gundy interviewed this week, his first coaching interview
since resigning from the Miami Heat in December 2005.
He remains under contract with Miami through the end of next
season, but Heat president Pat Riley allowed Van Gundy to interview
when Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff asked.
"I went up there, and I spoke to them," Van Gundy told The
Associated Press on Wednesday from his Miami home. "I went up and
spoke to Bernie and [part-owner] Michael Jordan and [president]
Fred Whitfield for three, 3½ hours on Monday. That's about it."
When he left the Heat, Van Gundy said he wanted to spend more
time with his family and children. He insists that's still the
case, meaning he isn't sure if the time is right for a return.
"I may be ready. May -- that's the key word," said Van Gundy, a
consultant for Riley and the Heat. "We're certainly at a time of
looking at things. And that's where we are."
Former Hornets and Cavaliers coach Paul Silas and former NBA
player and assistant coach Mario Elie also interviewed this week to
replace Bickerstaff, who served as the team's coach and GM in its
first three years and is staying with the team in a front-office
role.
The Bobcats, who are expected to interview at least a half-dozen
candidates, have been tightlipped about the coaching search.
Jordan, playing golf Wednesday with Tiger Woods in a pro-am event,
declined to answer questions after his round.
Toronto coach Sam Mitchell, who is in the final year of his
contract, also could be a candidate if he doesn't sign a new deal
with the Raptors. He's not available to interview until the Raptors
are eliminated from the playoffs, but Bickerstaff has said the
team's in no hurry to make a hire.