May 18, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
HOUSTON -- Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was fired Friday, less than two weeks after Houston made yet another first-round playoff exit.
The Rockets went 52-30 this season but lost to Utah in seven games, raising the possibility that Van Gundy was going to resign or be dismissed. This was the Rockets' third first-round loss in four seasons under Van Gundy.
Van Gundy, 45, had one nonguaranteed year left on his contract, meaning the team held the option to retain him.
The coach led the Rockets to a 182-146 record in four seasons. But Houston went 7-12 in three postseason appearances and more was expected from teams anchored by All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. When the Rockets lost to Utah, McGrady dropped to 0-6 in playoff series.
Van Gundy was working in television when the Rockets hired him before the 2003-04 season. Before that, Van Gundy coached the New York Knicks for seven seasons, leading them to the NBA Finals in 1999.
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