Charlotte, N.C. ? Bernie Bickerstaff will not return as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats next season, but will be invited to stay with the organization.

Part-owner Michael Jordan said Tuesday that Bickerstaff, who also serves as general manager, will finish the season and remains an “integral part” of the franchise. Charlotte is 23-41 and last in the Southeast Division.

“I don’t see him distancing himself away,” Jordan said. “I feel he’s been an important part to getting this franchise to where it is now. It will give me the most pleasure to continue that process until we get to where we have to go.”

Bickerstaff, 67-161 in three seasons, said when he was first hired to run the expansion team that he wanted to coach for only two or three years before becoming the full-time general manager. But when Jordan was brought in as a minority owner and given the final say on basketball decisions, Bickerstaff’s future was in doubt.

“I want him involved,” Jordan said. “We just haven’t decided if that’s as general manager or president of basketball operations. I see him staying with the organization.”

Jordan, in his first meeting with local reporters since June, said he has yet to begin a search for a new coach.

“We haven’t got to that point,” Jordan said. “Bernie is still going to finish out the season. When the season is over, he and I will sit down and have those type of conversations – who best suits the structure of players we have on this team.”

The 62-year-old Bickerstaff has been the head coach at Seattle, Denver and Washington.