HOUSTON -- Jeff Van Gundy has told the Houston Rockets that he wants to be their head coach. Now all that remains is ironing out the contract.

	Van Gundy

Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said Monday that Van Gundy told him he wants the job Rudy Tomjanovich left last month.

"I was jumping up and down," Dawson said, describing his reaction after getting the telephone call. "My wife thought I was crazy. You're looking at a happy guy."

Contract talks were expected to be completed within the next few days, he said. The deal is believed to be for at least four years with a value of $4 million to $5 million annually.

Dawson wouldn't disclose possible terms but said the Rockets have been in touch with the Knicks, who have Van Gundy under contract through July 31. The Rockets have agreed to give New York compensation, the general manager said without elaborating.

"Jeff has been very successful. His defensive philosophy is very good. We decided he was the best fit for this team," Dawson said. "We're very excited about this. I think we got a very good coach. I think it is going to be a good marriage."

Van Gundy is also trying to line up a staff.

The Washington Post reported that Van Gundy wants to hire Washington Wizards assistant Patrick Ewing, a former player of Van Gundy's in New York. The Post reported that the Rockets have yet to request permission to speak to Ewing, whose contract runs out at the end of this month. But, the newspaper noted, the Wizards would grant permission if asked.

Van Gundy, who has been working as a game analyst for TNT, also had been considering coaching the Wizards.

The Rockets' other top coaching candidate, Mike Dunleavy, has emerged as a contender for the Wizards job.

Van Gundy spent two days in Houston last week, touring team facilities and the city. But he left town without accepting an offer from the Rockets.

"It was very nice. Houston is a beautiful city and the Rockets are a great organization. I had a great time," Van Gundy said.

Van Gundy was offered a five-year deal worth between $25 million and $35 million by the Wizards to be their next coach. According to ESPN sources, Van Gundy would not have the general manager's title in Washington, but would have significant say in personnel.

Van Gundy has been owner Les Alexander's top choice to replace Tomjanovich, the longtime Rockets coach who stepped down on May 23.

After Van Gundy's visit, the Rockets told Dunleavy that they will not make any other moves with potential candidates unless Van Gundy wasn't hired.

Tomjanovich stepped down after 12 years as coach. He won two NBA championships, one of them against the Knicks in 1994 when Van Gundy was an assistant under Pat Riley.

Van Gundy replaced Don Nelson as Knicks coach in the 1995-96 season and went 248-172. He led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to San Antonio.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.