Top defensive assistant Jeff Bzdelik returning to Rockets

Jeff Bzdelik, the associate head coach that led the Rockets' defensive success last season before he abruptly retired before training camp, on Monday agreed to return to the team, two individuals with knowledge of the deal said.

Bzdelik agreed to a contract for the remainder of the season to be back in the same role. It is undetermined when he will be back in a full-time capacity, with possibilities that he could return next week or sometime by the end of November, one of the individuals with knowledge of the agreement said.

Bzdelik's return is not related to the Rockets' slow start, that individual said. He had chosen to step aside to address something unrelated to work that now allows him…