LEO Austria is now team consultant of San Miguel as he takes a sabbatical from coaching and Jorge Gallent being appointed as head coach in the process starting in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the development after the PBA posted the official line-ups for the upcoming conference with Gallent as head coach.
See Coaching switch: Jorge Gallent to call shots for San Miguel Beer
Abanilla said Austria spoke with management recently on his intention to take a temporary leave from coaching.
“Coach Leo met with management a few days ago and informed us that he wishes to take a coaching sabbatical for personal reasons starting the Governors’ Cup. We respect his decision and we understand his situation as we fully support whatever he needs,” said Abanilla in a statement.
“With this development, he will remain with the team as a consultant and we have elevated Coach Jorge Gallent as the Head Coach. Coach Jorge will take over bringing with him PBA head coaching experience and an exciting future for the franchise,” said Abanilla.
“To the SMB supporters, rest assured that we will continue to WORK TOGETHER and strive for a successful campaign in the Governor’s Cup onwards,” said Abanilla.
Austria takes a leave after guiding the Beermen to nine championships in his eight-year tenure with the ballclub. His most recent championship was in the 2022 Philippine Cup last October in a series victory over TNT.
Austria coached the Beermen in the Commissioner’s Cup but missed games as he entered the league’s health protocols.
Gallent took over, winning six straight games before Austria returned to the sidelines in Game Two of their semifinal series against Bay Area.
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