WASHINGTON, April 3 (UPI) -- The Washington Mystics are seeking to hire a high-profile coach, but apparently it will not be Jeff Van Gundy.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday that the former coach of the New York Knicks would make the unusual switch to the WNBA and take over as coach of the Mystics. But, that report was quickly squelched by the team.
"Although Jeff Van Gundy is an excellent coach, the article written by the Orlando Sentinel is unfounded and the information reported within is untrue," said Susan O'Malley, president of Washington Sports and Entertainment.
"Unfortunately, the reporter's source was not the proper one, the Mystics. We have taken this time to find a coach we believe is the perfect fit for this team, and we expect to make an announcement within the next few days."
Van Gundy resigned as coach of the Knicks in December with the team at 10-9, citing the need to spend more time with his family. He had coached the Knicks for six-plus seasons, leading them to a 248-172 record and a trip to the NBA Finals in 1999.
Without Van Gundy, the Knicks staggered to an 18-36 record and likely will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1986-87.
Van Gundy was hired as an analyst by Turner Broadcasting.
The Orlando Sentinel also reported that the Mystics talked with Tennessee Coach Pat Summit and considered former NBA players Rick Mahorn and Jeff Malone for their coaching job.
Washington has one of the WNBA's marquee players in Chamique Holdsclaw and led the league in attendance each of the past three years, but has struggled on the court and finished 10-22 last season.
