Oct 14, 2008 10:08 AM EST

Former Rockets' coach Jeff Van Gundy inked a five-year contract with ESPN on Monday, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Van Gundy has been linked to coaching roles over the off-season, with many believing that he may return to the sidelines after another season off.

“That’s good for me,” Yao Ming said. “Not as many people will know how to defend me.”

Via Houston Chronicle