"It really wasn't my decision," said Van Gundy. "I let them know I absolutely wanted to coach. They have the right to decide that they want to go in a different direction, and they did. Obviously it's a disappointing decision from my vantage point, but I don't want it to overshadow what I thought was a great 4 years. I really enjoyed it. I'm thankful for the opportunities that were given to me."

Van Gundy had high praise for the players and coaches he worked with here in Houston, saying "they played their hearts out", but he was aware that the Game 7 loss in the playoffs was the nail in the coffin.

"You have to win that 7th game at home, certainly," added Van Gundy. "That was a disappointing loss for everybody. It is a results-oriented business. So, if you win, then you have a chance to continue on and obviously the results weren't to management's liking and they made a choice."

As for what went wrong for Houston in the first-round series, Van Gundy spoke more about what went right for Utah.

"I think really what happened in that series is Andrei Kirilenko in the first two games really wasn't a factor [but] he became a larger and larger factor as the series wore on," said Van Gundy. "Carlos Boozer was great. Deron Williams was great. They have a very fine team. I think it's shown through the second round. I think they just outplayed us."

While Van Gundy said he loved his four years with the Rockets, he expressed remorse about how it all worked out.

"I feel bad that I wasn't able to help McGrady and Yao and the rest of the guys get over the hump, but I choose not to look at what we didn't have as much as being very appreciative to the players for all they gave to the season and to me," said Van Gundy. "I'll never forget it yet I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to help them get over the hump in that 7th game and also that I won't be with them as I go on because I know they have a lot of success ahead of them."

"I feel badly for the players and for the fans that I wasn't able to help them win that 7th game and I apologize for that."

As for his replacement, rumors swirl that the Rockets are negotiating a deal with former Kings coach Rick Adelman. Van Gundy thought that would be a good move.

"I will say this -- if Rick Adelman does become the coach, he is an outstanding coach and an even better person. If that's true, then they have a great guy coming in and he will do a very, very fine job."

As for Van Gundy and his family's future in Houston, he had high praise for the city.