Coaching Carousel: where it stops, nobody knows

The global recession that hit last year had a lot of people facing the tough reality of job security, or more precisely, lack thereof. Some long tenured employees lost their positions. Some guys who were doing well in their jobs were let go. It did not matter whether you deserved to be laid off or not, somebody was losing their job.

This, of course, is nothing new to the basketball head coach.

Job security means nothing in the world of basketball coaching, whether you coach in college or the professional league, even in the NBA. The slightest sign of a slip-up and you find a pink slip in your coat pocket soon enough. Thankfully for them, this also means there are jobs available somewhere else where a coach was similarly laid off.

Let’s take a look at the current situation of the coaching carousel as per the rumor mill. Please note that the candidates mentioned are only rumored to be up for the posts. None of these are confirmed by reliable sources. Take it as you wish.

DLSU Green Archers
Out: Franz Pumaren
Likely candidate/s: Dindo Pumaren

Multi-titled longtime mentor Franz Pumaren sent in his two-week’s notice after a disappointing UAAP campaign. No big surprises on this end, though. This situation was pretty much resolved before last season started when Franz took former UE coach (and little brother) Dindo as an assistant on the team. Nobody expects this to job to last, as it seems Franz is only resigning for the election period. Still, wouldn’t hurt Dindo’s resume to add ‘DLSU head coach’ on top, right?

JRU Heavy Bombers
Out: Ariel Vanguardia
Likely candidate/s: Vergel Meneses

Reports say Ariel Vanguardia, who led JRU to the 2008 NCAA Finals and came a win away in 2009, will not be resigned by the Heavy Bombers. This is not the best news for JRU fans, because Vanguardia has proven himself a capable coach. He has not missed a Final Four since his first season with the team. He almost took his team to the Finals this year, despite stiff competition and a blue-chip recruit sidelined for practically the entire year. Being used to winning now, I think the JRU community are going to miss Vanguardia once he’s gone.

Former JRU player Vergel Meneses is the rumored replacement. He does not bring a lot of coaching experience to the team (he was an assistant coach in the PBL once), but it would be interesting if he can develop a relationship with John Wilson similar to SSC-R coach Ato Agustin’s with star Jimbo Aquino. Aquino thrived under the rookie coach as they made a championship run. It would be a shame if Wilson’s final year, one he will be entering as reigning MVP, would be wasted under a rookie coach learning the ropes.

NU Bulldogs
Out: Manny Dandan
Likely candidate/s: Pido Jarencio, Louie Alas

Manny Dandan was officially released days after the Bulldogs finished another cellar-dwelling campaign. Dandan should have received a medal for sticking with NU this long, and even taking them to the Final Four in 2001. However, he’s not only NOT being honored for his dedication, he also won’t be getting an opportunity to win with the new backing the school received. Before last season, Henry Sy and the SM Group purchased National U and things instantly began to look up for the Bulldogs. They now have a proper training facility for the first time since, like, ever. They even have a couple of foreign recruits for the coming years. Unfortunately, the fiery Dandan won’t be around for any of it.

Early rumblings had Letran and Philippine Patriots head coach Louie Alas as the frontrunner for the suddenly attractive NU job. But the latest rumors have involved the name of incumbent UST head coach Pido Jarencio, who led the Growling Tigers to the 2006 UAAP title. Pido, of course, is a great motivator. Some quarters believe his skills in other aspects of coaching is suspect, though. But seeing as some UST supporters have been calling for a Pido resignation after a rough end to the UAAP season, this situation is certainly a possibility.

UE Red Warriors
Out: Lawrence Chongson
Likely candidate/s: Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Jerry Codinera

Now this was an interesting rumor I came across. Some have hinted at Lawrence Chongson not returning as head coach of the UE Red Warriors next season despite leading the Warriors to the UAAP Finals. With the loss of Elmer Espiritu, Pari Llagas and Val Acuna, UE is not aiming to be competitive next season, but shooting for the championship in Paul Lee’s final season a year later. As such, they wanted a better coach who can develop the team and its players for that such time. They say veteran guard James Martinez, redshirted all of this year, may be a casualty as well. He might not be asked to suit up for his final year of eligibility so as not to get in the way of development for younger guys. This would be sad for both Chongson and Martinez, considering how close UE got this season to the championship.

Well, before settling on Chongson, the Red Warriors were considering notable alumni Allan Caidic and Jerry Codinera, aside from the legendary Robert Jaworski. Now, Jawo would be a long shot (although considering that Jawo took the time to watch UE in the Season 72 Finals, would it be that far-fetched?) but Caidic and Codinera are certainly possibilities. Caidic has been a head coach in the PBA and Codinera in the PBL, alongside several assistant coaching stints. They could conceivably rebuild for the following season around the very talented Lee and use next season as a developmental season. That would be interesting to follow, if it turned out to be true.

There’s the roundup. There will probably be key developments coming in the near future. If Jarencio bolts UST, then there’s another coaching position we can speculate on. Still, all of these are rumors, except when you’ve seen it printed on a broadsheet, I guess. Until then, take it with a grain of salt.