FILE–NU Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel during the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
MANILA, Philippines — Norman Miguel has stepped down as National University head coach after steering the Lady Bulldogs to a successful title-redemption campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament last May.
Miguel on Thursday evening confirmed to Inquirer Sports that he already parted ways with the UAAP champions, deciding to apply for an administrative position at NU Sports Academy in Laguna.
“Career move for me, admin work for sports and at the same time I can still share my little expertise in volleyball,” said Miguel. “Challenging siya pero medyo less ang stress level. Looking forward pa rin na makapasa ako sa application ko.”
READ: NU coach Norman Miguel finishes what he started with UAAP title
Miguel added that the school will release a statement soon and introduce a new head coach. Deputy Karl Dimaculangan temporarily handles the squad in the V-League.
According to a source, NU is still in the process of finding a replacement for Miguel.
Although he will no longer handle the Lady Bulldogs, Miguel is confident that his former team has a strong chance to complete a back-to-back title quest in Season 87 next year with an intact core bannered by reigning Season MVP Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon as well as Arah Panique, who are all playing for Alas Pilipinas.
“The team is still intact, sobrang laki ng chance na mag back to back sila. Wishing them all the best and good luck,” said Miguel.
READ: NU Lady Bulldogs sweep their way to Super League title anew
Miguel, who handled the Lady Bulldogs in 2019 but resigned the following year, was reinstated after the team’s failed title defense in Season 85 last year with his predecessor Dimaculangan as the deputy.
The veteran coach led NU to a perfect championship run in the Shakey’s Super League Preseason tournament last year and brought back the glory to the school after sweeping his former squad, the University of Santo Tomas, in the Season 86 championship.
Miguel last called the shots for NU in the SSL National Invitationals last month with another perfect title run — their second championship this year and third in a row since November.