Flip Saunders will be back as coach of the Detroit Pistons next season, an NBA official with knowledge of the team's plans told The Associated Press on Monday night.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Pistons haven't made an announcement about Saunders' future, said bringing the coach back for a third season is part of Detroit's retooling plan.

Though many believe the Pistons could make significant changes this offseason and some have suggested a fourth coach in six years for the franchise, Saunders said he "absolutely" expects to return.

"That's never been a question," Saunders said Monday in a telephone interview with the AP.