Washington Wizards Coach Doug Collins, who is expected to be fired soon, said today that he still wants to return to the team. A day after Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin said the yet-to-be-hired president of basketball operations "will pick the coach," Collins said he hopes to work with the new boss.

"I am the coach and it's my desire to do that," said Collins, who completed his second straight 37-45, non-playoff season. "I'm looking forward to meeting the person they are going to hire. I'm willing to take the necessary steps to do what it takes to make this team better."

But sources said Pollin wanted Collins fired during the season but allowed him to remain because the team was in playoff contention until the final few games. Sources said Pollin grew even more disenchanted with Collins after he aired some of the team's internal issues at a news conference following the final home game.