The Miami Heat announced today that President and Head Coach Pat Riley will remain on the sidelines as head coach for the 2006-07 season as the Heat defend their first NBA championship.

Riley, the third winningest coach in NBA history, has compiled a 1,151-589 (.661) record in 22 seasons as a head coach. He also ranks second on the NBA?s all-time postseason win list, having compiled a 171-107 (.615) record and has captured five NBA titles as a head coach. In nine seasons with the Heat he has amassed a 395-290 (.577) regular season record and a 34-32 (.515) mark in postseason play with one NBA championship. Riley returned to the bench last season on Dec. 12 after a two-year hiatus and guided the Heat to a 41-20 (.672) record and a Southeast Division title. He then led the Heat to their first NBA championship, culminating with a 95-92 win in Game 6 at Dallas on June 20.  

?After winning the championship, I realized there?s always something meaningful that happens in your life that becomes the primary point of your destiny,? said Riley. ?Winning the championship showed me that I am definitely in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I can?t wait to get started.?