NU Head coach Eric Altamirano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
One of the longest tenured coaches in the UAAP, Eric Altamirano stepped down as mentor of the National University Bulldogs, putting the future of an established collegiate program in a cloud of uncertainty.
The 50-year-old Altamirano, sources said, tendered his resignation last week, but the school administration has reportedly not discussed his move that came after the Bulldogs missed out on the Final Four in UAAP Season 79 with a 5-9 record.
No replacement has been floated just yet with the move reportedly coming as a surprise for the school.
Under Altamirano—who rebuilt the program with the help of businessman Hans Sy—the Bulldogs rose from mediocrity with a championship two years ago highlighting his time in charge at NU.
The title in Season 77 ended a 60-year drought for the Bulldogs. Altamirano posted a 50-43 mark in his six years in charge of the Bulldogs.
The rest of Altamirano’s coaching staff, assistant coaches Joey Guanio, Vic Ycasiano, Paolo Layug, and Anton Altamirano, also tendered their resignation. —CEDELF P. TUPAS