UP Maroons desperately seeking a new coach

MANILA, Philippines — The coaching issue at the University of the Philippines continues with the Maroons starting their search for a fifth bench tactician in four years following the dismissal of Rey Madrid Monday.

Ronnie Dizer, the dean of UP College of Human Kinetics, said the school is now accepting applications for the men’s basketball coaching post as the Maroons will no longer renew the services of Madrid when his contract expires in December.

Dizer said the state university will look for “a full-time” coach who can develop a competitive program for the long-suffering Maroons, who have been in the UAAP cellar for over a decade.

A five-man panel will be tasked with screening the applicants until Nov. 28 before their Dec. 15 deadline for a coach.

“Passion is not enough,” said Dizer. “It will take somebody who will sacrifice everything and will consider basketball coaching as a full-time job.”

The Maroons had a 1-18 win-loss record under Madrid, who replaced Ricky Dandan in the middle of the season last year.