Pro Basketball

Citing the emotional toll of coaching an expansion team, Ron Rothstein resigned as coach of the Miami Heat.

Reports of Rothstein’s imminent departure began before the end of the season. Rothstein’s announcement came at a news conference after he met with Heat managing partner Lewis Schaffel and limited partner Billy Cunningham.

“I feel it’s best for me, best for my family and best for the Miami Heat for them to make a change,” he said.

During the past season, the front office offered Rothstein a new contract that would have extended beyond this year, the coach said.

The Heat has won 15, 18 and 24 games in its first three seasons, all under Rothstein. His overall record was 57-189 (.231).

Despite the team’s improvement in the number of victories, this season’s record was the NBA’s second worst, better only than Denver’s. Miami finished last in the Atlantic Division.