News & Updates

New Era: UE Red Warriors Launch Search for Next Head Coach

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors are officially on the hunt for a new head coach for their men’s basketball team after the decision not to renew the contract of Jack Santiago.

Santiago, who has been at the helm since UAAP Season 84, will conclude his tenure next week after compiling a 15-41 record. While he led the Red Warriors to their best performance since 2014, the team fell short of the Final Four, extending UE’s drought in the postseason to 16 years – currently the longest in the UAAP.

Speaking exclusively to ALL-STAR Magazine, UE team manager Jean Alabanza confirmed the decision and detailed the process for selecting Santiago’s successor.

“[His] contract ends next week, and the school is looking at accepting other applicants. We’re open to looking outside and seeing other options for the school,” Alabanza shared.

Transparent and Rigorous Selection Process for UE

UE’s application process aims to ensure that all candidates undergo a fair and thorough evaluation.

“We’re going to give them the form for them to fill up that will indicate their official application. They have to be the one to apply. It’s not going to be like an invite thing. They have to go through a process. There is going to be a committee that will assess, and then they’ll have to go for an interview,” explained Alabanza.

The search committee will consist of school officials, directors, and representatives from UE’s sports and management groups.

Applications will be accepted until early next week, after which the committee will evaluate and narrow the list to serious candidates before scheduling interviews.

Candidates in the Mix

So far, two experienced coaches have formally submitted their applications.

Chris Gavina, who is known for his stints with KIA and Rain or Shine in the PBA. The 45-year-old mentor also coached in Taiwan’s T1 league and led Fil-Nation Select to an NBTC championship.

Ariel Vanguardia, a veteran coach since 1998. He has helmed teams like JRU in the NCAA, Westport Malaysia Dragons in the ASEAN Basketball League, and multiple PBA squads, including Phoenix and Blackwater.

Another name linked to the position is former collegiate and professional champion coach Eric Altamirano, though he has yet to submit his resume. According to Alabanza, “He’s more than capable. We’re just going to have to see who’s the best fit for our school and our system. There are a lot of factors – like the budget – but in terms of coaching, he’s more than capable.”

Player Retention Challenges

The coaching search comes amid uncertainty for the Red Warriors, with key players expressing that their future with UE depends on the next head coach. This sentiment echoes a trend in recent years, where standout players such as Rey Remogat, Clint Escamis, Gani Stevens, Harvey Pagsanjan, and Kyle Paranada left the program for opportunities elsewhere.

Alabanza acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the process will not be rushed.

“I’m kind of disappointed, but I’m hoping we’re not being held hostage depending on our decision. I’m hoping they trust our selection process. Of course, we’d like them to stay, but we’re not going to fast-track or rush the process of selecting a coach just to know if they will stay or not.”

What UE Is Looking For

For Alabanza and UE, the priority is finding a head coach who can nurture player development and establish strong relationships within the team.

“We’ve had good players come into the program. It’s really more about developing and building that relationship in the hopes of keeping them and seeing them finish their playing years in UE. There’s no particular style we’re looking at. It’s really more about a coach that will invest his time with the players… someone who will help the players grow.”

The coming weeks will be crucial as the Red Warriors assess candidates and chart their path forward. While the decision on their next head coach may take time, it’s clear that UE is prioritizing stability and long-term growth – both on and off the court.