MIAMI — Pat Riley doesn't want to quit on a losing note.
Assured of finishing under .500 for the first time in his 20 years as an NBA coach, Riley said Sunday he'll return to the Miami Heat next season.
"I don't have any plans other than to coach and manage the team," Riley said.
There had been speculation that the 57-year-old Riley might retire as coach and continue as team president. He took responsibility for the disappointing season but said he wants to keep both jobs.
"The president is not going to fire the coach," Riley said, "and the coach is not going to stick a damn knife in the president's back."
The decision is Riley's because he has the support of owner Micky Arison.
A 96-88 loss Sunday to the Los Angeles Lakers left the Heat on the verge of elimination from the playoff race with six games to go. It would be the first time Riley has failed to make the postseason.
"We didn't get it done," he said. "This team is good enough to be in the playoffs and should be in the playoffs. Ultimately the buck stops here."
The Heat are 33-43. Riley's worst previous record was 42-40 in his first season at Miami six years ago.
There was talk when the Heat started 5-23 that Riley might quit. Following a midseason surge that got the team into playoff contention, the Heat have lost eight of their last 10.
"I didn't get them over the hump after all that hard work," he said. "That's what it comes down to."
But he plans to be back.
"I like what I do," he said. "We all take stock in what we do and search and say, 'Is it time?' I'm young. I'm invigorated. I'm healthy."