Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni is interested in coaching at least three more years, he told ESPN on Sunday night.
D’Antoni and the Rockets have begun discussing a contract extension. D’Antoni has one season remaining on his current deal but has informed owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Daryl Morey that he doesn’t want to enter his final season without a new deal in place.
“I’ve let Daryl and Tilman know that I’m energized to keep coaching — and believe that I can continue to do this at a high level for at least another three years,” the 68-year-old D’Antoni told ESPN. “I want to be a part of a championship here.”
The Rockets were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals this season. Last season, Houston lost to the Warriors in the Western Conference finals.
This season’s loss to the Warriors prompted Fertitta to term the result as “unacceptable.” Houston also decided not to bring back defensive-minded assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik.
D’Antoni has a 173-73 record in three seasons with the Rockets. Overall, he is 628-499 in 15 NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets.
