updated 5:31 p.m. ET May 2, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Add Stan Van Gundy to the growing list of candidates for the Charlotte Bobcats’ coaching job.

Van Gundy interviewed this week, his first coaching interview since resigning from the Miami Heat in December 2005.

He remains under contract with Miami through the end of next season, but Heat president Pat Riley allowed Van Gundy to interview when Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff asked.

“I went up there, and I spoke to them,” Van Gundy told The Associated Press on Wednesday from his Miami home. “I went up and spoke to Bernie and (part-owner) Michael Jordan and (president) Fred Whitfield for three, 3½ hours on Monday. That’s about it.”

When he left the Heat, Van Gundy said he wanted to spend more time with his family and children. He insists that’s still the case, meaning he isn’t sure if the time is right for a return.

“I may be ready. May — that’s the key word,” said Van Gundy, a consultant for Riley and the Heat. “We’re certainly at a time of looking at things. And that’s where we are.”

Former Hornets and Cavaliers coach Paul Silas and former NBA player and assistant coach Mario Elie also interviewed this week to replace Bickerstaff, who served as the team’s coach and GM in its first three years and is staying with the team in a front-office role.

The Bobcats, who are expected to interview at least a half-dozen candidates, have been tightlipped about the coaching search. Jordan, playing golf Wednesday with Tiger Woods in a pro-am event, declined to answer questions after his round.

Toronto coach Sam Mitchell, who is in the final year of his contract, also could be a candidate if he doesn’t sign a new deal with the Raptors. He’s not available to interview until the Raptors are eliminated from the playoffs, but Bickerstaff has said the team’s in no hurry to make a hire.

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