HOUSTON, May 18, 2007 -- Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has decided to part ways with Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy. The two sides were unable to come to an agreement despite a prolonged negotiating period in which Van Gundy requested and was offered the opportunity to stay within the organization in a senior consultant capacity. The team will now continue forward with plans to hire a new head coach.

“First and foremost we want to thank Jeff for his tireless efforts here with the team over the past four seasons,” said Morey. “Jeff built the team into a top defensive club and played a crucial part in helping mold this team into a playoff contender.

“Since the end of the post-season, we have had numerous conversations with Jeff about his interest in proceeding as the head coach. He asked for, and was granted, additional time to evaluate his situation with the agreement that we would begin looking into other candidates. During that process it became clear that Jeff did not want to continue in any capacity with the team other than as head coach.”

Van Gundy joined the Rockets as the 10th head coach in franchise history on June 11, 2003. In four seasons, Van Gundy guided Houston to a 182-146 (.555) record. He also led the Rockets to the playoffs three times (2004, 2005, 2007), while posting a 7-12 (.368) mark in the postseason. Overall, Van Gundy holds a career coaching record of 430-318 (.575), as well as a 44-44 (.500) mark in the postseason.