Chris Gavina will take over the post left by deputy Chito Victolero and will oversee the development of Mahindra in preparation for the third conference.
Enforcers team manager Eric Pineda confirmed the move after Victolero tendered his resignation this week.
“Chris Gavina has been appointed as the first assistant coach to replace Chito,” Pineda said in a text message.
Pineda added that the rest of the coaching staff, including assistants Marlon Martin, Romulo Orillosa, Alex Angeles, and Rob Wainwright, as well as team consultant Joe Lipa will remain with the team.
Victolero parted ways with the team this week citing health issues.
Under his guidance, Mahindra has established a decent foundation with players like LA Revilla, Karl Dehesa, and veterans Nino Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos leading the charge.
The Enforcers almost made their first playoff appearance with their 4-7 card in the Commissioner’s Cup, but lost to Star in the final eliminations game and fell short of the eighth place.
Manny Pacquiao remains as Mahindra’s head coach on paper.
The eight division boxing world champion, who is also a playing-coach for the Enforcers, has not been with the team since the Philippine Cup.
Gavina was a former assistant for GlobalPort before joining coach Glenn Capacio in Mahindra last season.