BELLEVUE, Wash. — Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo will return next season, the team said today, ending speculation he would be fired after the team won just 20 games in his first year with the Sonics.

General manager Sam Presti said at a news conference that Carlesimo would be back. Two weeks ago, Presti gave only a vague answer when asked if there would be any coaching staff changes, Carlesimo included.