Former San Sebastian coach Tony Tan said he is speaking out not to get his job back, but to seek better treatment and communication for future Golden Stags coaches.
Tan said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s The Scorecard that he was particularly concerned about the way the coaching transition was handled while he was on medical leave.
He recalled that the school had informed the team that he was temporarily stepping away for health reasons, only for a new coach to later be announced without him being consulted.
“I don’t want to mention the name, the person that is taking over my coaches, my coach, you know, I’m not even sure what’s happening because they sent a letter out to everybody that I’m on medical leave. And then next thing you know, somebody from the school administration announced that he will take over without a communication to me,” Tan said.
Tan said the lack of communication was not an isolated incident during his tenure.
“And it’s not normal because that’s what they do to me. They just do their thing without communication with me,” he said.
Drawing from his coaching experience in North America, Tan said he expected regular communication between a head coach and the athletic administration.
“In North America, we work hand to hand beside an athletic director. Not even once that an athletic director don’t want to see me one-on-one in his office. Always busy. Never answer the phone. Never reply my messages,” he said.
Tan said such a working relationship makes it difficult to build a successful collegiate program and urged the school to adopt a more professional approach.
“You know, so if it’s something like that, that’s terrible for, you know, to make it successful,” Tan said.
Tan emphasized that his decision to speak publicly was intended to benefit the next coach and the players, rather than himself.
“Again, I’m doing this for the next person and hopefully that person that, you know, they will treat, you know, with professionalism and honest to what they do,” he said.
He added that those involved in running a school sports program should be motivated by the welfare of the institution and its athletes.
“If you’re passionate to help the school, you should be open for public to help the school. It’s not for yourself,” Tan said.
Tan has previously alleged that he was blindsided by San Sebastian’s decision to replace him while on medical leave and that he personally covered various expenses for the Stags program. (Adrian Co)
