JUNO Sauler has resigned as head coach of the La Salle Green Archers, according to sources.
Champion in his first year in charge just two seasons ago, Sauler has tendered his resignation ‘to give the management and the school a free hand in choosing the coach for next season,' according to multiple sources contacted by Spin.ph.
Sauler could not be contacted for comment at posting time, but insiders say the former Ginebra head coach has submitted his resignation letter during the weekend.
The development comes just days after La Salle missed the semifinals for the first time since 2011, coming up with just six wins for joint fifth place in Season 78.
[See FEU Tamaraws put shock end to La Salle quest for Final Four berth with big comeback]
A meeting between Green Archers team management and school heads of La Salle is set for Tuesday afternoon, with Sauler likely to return to Ginebra as an assistant if he is not retained, according to a separate source.
Contacted for confirmation, La Salle team manager Raffy Villavicencio told to Spin.ph he, too, has heard of the reports but so far claimed to have received no confirmation.
“A lot of people have texted me this morning, I tried texting Juno, too, but he hasn’t responded yet,” said Villavicencio, who earlier said a final assessment will dictate the course of action as far as coaching changes is concerned.
[See Juno Sauler ready to face consequences after La Salle failure to make UAAP Final Four]
Insiders say Siot Tanquincen is in line to take the head-coaching job. The three-time PBA champion coach joined Sauler's staff prior to the season after a short stint with Barako Bull.
Already, there is also talk of a comeback by five-time champion coach Franz Pumaren, while also mentioned as possible replacement is many-time NCAA champion Louie Alas of Letran.
[See Jeron Teng says he's 'definitely' returning for final UAAP season with La Salle]
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