Leo Austria to take coaching sabbatical as San Miguel names Jorge Gallent head coach

Leo Austria has taken a sabbatical leave from coaching, San Miguel Beermen management revealed, as the team elevated deputy Jorge Gallent to the head coach position for their 2023 PBA Governors' Cup campaign.

In a message, team manager Gee Abanilla said multi-titled Austria had informed them days ago about his decision to temporarily leave the Beermen camp for personal reasons.

"Coach Leo met with management a few days ago and informed us that he wishes to take a coaching sabbatical for personal reasons starting the Governor’s Cup," Abanilla said.

"We respect his decision and we understand his situation as we fully support whatever he needs."

Austria, though, will remain a consultant for San Miguel.

"With this development, he will remain with the team as a Consultant and we have elevated Coach Jorge Gallent as the Head Coach. Coach Jorge will take over bringing with him PBA head coaching experience and an exciting future for the franchise."

Austria steered the Beermen to a host of PBA crowns, highlighted by five straight titles in the Philippine Cup from 2014 to 2019. The 64-year-old Austria had also copped four PBA Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year award, winning the plum in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019.

"To the SMB supporters, rest assured that we will continue to WORK TOGETHER and strive for a successful campaign in the Governor’s Cup onwards," Abanilla added.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News