Unicaja searches for new coach after Ibon Navarro's departure. Unicaja is left without a head coach as Ibon Navarro leaves the club ahead of schedule. Management is urgently seeking a replacement and is already negotiating with several candidates. The decision will impact the team's roster and future plans.
An urgent restructuring has begun at Unicaja: head coach Ibon Navarro has decided not to work out the final year of his contract and is leaving the club. This decision came as a surprise to fans and forced management to revise their summer plans, when a major roster overhaul was already expected after an unsuccessful season in the Endesa League—the team failed to make the playoffs.
According to RUSSPAIN, although Navarro's departure was officially announced only on Sunday, the club had been aware of his intentions since last week. This allowed the sports department to begin searching for a new coach in advance. The list of candidates includes both free agents and coaches with existing contracts in the ACB.
One of the main options is Jaume Ponsarnau, who recently extended his contract with Bilbao until 2029. However, the absence of a buyout clause makes a potential move more complicated. Other contracted coaches who stand out are Moncho Fernández (Girona) and Gerard Encuentra (Lleida)—their contracts allow for early termination, making them more flexible options for negotiations.
Free agents are also being considered. Notably, Veljko Mrsic, who is well acquainted with Spanish basketball and has already worked in Malaga, is among the favorites. Mrsic previously coached Bilbao and Breogán, and this season led Sassari, which failed to retain its place in the top division.
Another potential candidate is Pablo Laso. He is currently working with Turkish Efes, but reports say the club has already reached an agreement with a new coach, and Laso could soon become a free agent. His experience with Bayern München and Baskonia, as well as good relations with Unicaja’s management, make him an attractive option.
Among the candidates under discussion is Álex Mumbrú, current coach of the German national team. In recent months, he has often been seen in Malaga, where he keeps in touch with Unicaja assistant Alberto Miranda, who also works with the German national squad. ACB regulations allow coaches to combine club and national team roles, but it is unclear whether this arrangement would suit Unicaja’s management.
Among experienced coaches, Jaka Lakovic stands out. He was recently dismissed from Dreamland Gran Canaria, with whom he won the Eurocup. Interestingly, both Lakovic and Navarro recently received offers from the Turkish club Bahcesehir, but both declined. If Unicaja shows interest, Lakovic might consider a return to Spain. His agent is Quique Villalobos, who also represents Ponsarnau.
With the club celebrating its 50th anniversary, the choice of a new coach takes on special significance. The management aims to maintain continuity and lay the foundation for a long-term project, although the team's playing style and roster are expected to change significantly. Not all candidates have unanimous support among fans, but Unicaja has made unexpected appointments before: for instance, Ibon Navarro arrived in Malaga after being dismissed by Andorra, which had just been relegated from the league.
Context for Spanish basketball: Unicaja is one of the leading clubs in Andalusia, regularly participating in European competitions. In recent years, the club has faced strong competition in the ACB and has been forced to renew its roster. By comparison, unexpected staffing decisions in other sports also spark debate: for example, Nagore Robles was recently unexpectedly eliminated from the 'Supervivientes 2026' project, causing a strong reaction from the audience (details here). In both cases, clubs and projects are forced to quickly adapt to new circumstances and look for unconventional solutions.
