Report: Bickerstaff withdraws from Rockets' coaching search

J.B. Bickerstaff has withdrawn himself from consideration for full-time coach of the Houston Rockets, ESPN's Calvin Watkins reports, citing a source. Bickerstaff met with Rockets officials Monday and withdrew his name Wednesday, sources told Watkins and ESPN's Marc Stein.

Bickerstaff served as interim coach for 71 games this season after the dismissal of Kevin McHale. He compiled a 37-34 record as the Rockets squeezed into the West's final playoff spot and were subsequently dispatched by the Golden State Warriors in five games.

The news comes as the Rockets have reportedly expanded their coaching search to include Mike D'Antoni and former Houston point guard Kenny Smith.

The organization is interested in retaining Bickerstaff in a front-office capacity, but he's unlikely to consider that, reports Watkins. The 37-year-old worked as an assistant for 11 years before taking the reins of the Rockets and is the son of longtime NBA coach and executive Bernie Bickerstaff.