Ron Rothstein, the Miami Heat's first head coach and the only head coach of the WNBA Miami Sol, is expected to return to the Heat as an assistant coach, three officials with knowledge of the discussions said Friday.

One of the officials said Heat president Pat Riley respects Rothstein and saw his availability as an opportunity to add a veteran assistant as Shaquille O'Neal begins his Heat tenure.

Coach Stan Van Gundy, who declined to confirm or deny Rothstein's hiring, said after the season he was happy with his staff and felt no need to add a veteran assistant.

Two officials said longtime Heat assistant Bob McAdoo was not pleased with Rothstein's possible hiring because McAdoo had been considered Van Gundy's lead assistant. It's unclear whether any coach will now be designated the lead assistant.