There has been speculation that Jeff Van Gundy's next stop will be in Miami, with Pat Riley moving himself to the front office. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald posed this scenario to someone who oughta know a thing or two about the matter: Bill Van Gundy, father of Stan and Jeff.

``No way does that happen,'' said Bill Van Gundy, speaking hours after his son surprisingly announced his resignation from the Knicks. ``If you've got $500,000, I'm willing to bet that will not happen. And that's more than I have. I would be a lot more shocked by Jeff coaching Miami than by his resignation in New York.''

Bill Van Gundy confirmed Jeff would not want to do anything to jeopardize the career advancement of his brother Stan, the Heat's lead assistant.

``I see no way either one would ever do anything in a way to put themselves into a more competitive situation [with each other] than they were before [in the Heat-Knicks rivalry],'' Bill Van Gundy said, adding he has not discussed the Heat with Jeff. ``That has not been pleasant for them. I don't see Jeff in Miami in any way, shape or form.

``And I don't see Jeff living in Florida. He likes where he's living, and also really likes California. I think Pat Riley will coach the Heat next year. They will get this thing righted.''

``I see him coaching again, but not in the next year,'' he said. ``That's just my opinion. I was more surprised by the timing than the action, but not shocked. He just felt he lost focus. But when I used the words burned out to him on the phone [Friday], he wouldn't say that. He doesn't like that term.''

On Riley, Bill Van Gundy said, ``I don't know if there's anyone Jeff holds in higher regard. He believes he's the best coach in the history of basketball.''