The Houston Rockets are not expected to replace head coach Kevin McHale following the team's first-round loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, reports NBA.com's David Aldridge. McHale has compiled a 133-97 record since joining the Rockets in 2011. The team has made the playoffs in two of the three seasons since McHale replaced head coach Rick Adelman, but has been eliminated in the first round in consecutive seasons.
McHale's Hall of Fame career as a frontcourt player with the Boston Celtics was a key selling point to Howard when the Rockets made their free agency pitch to him last summer. Houston made involving Howard in the low-post a key element of their offense, which was a focal point in McHale's involvement in Houston's pitch to sign the superstar free agent.
The Rockets signed McHale to a contract with three guaranteed seasons and a fourth season with a team option. Details of his compensation are not available, but the team's front office appears ready to give McHale another season with the core general manager Daryl Morey has built.