Ibon Navarro Steps Down as Unicaja Head Coach

The head coach has communicated to the club his decision to terminate the contract that bound him to Unicaja through next season

Ibon Navarro has communicated to the club his decision to terminate the contract that bound him to Unicaja through next season. Unicaja Baloncesto thanks the Vitoria-based coach for the 4.5 seasons he spent at the helm, during which he became the most decorated head coach in the club's history, with 7 titles.

Now, with their paths separating, they wish Ibon Navarro all the best in his future and continued growth in his professional career, also conveying to him that Málaga and Unicaja will always be his home.

Unicaja's history closes an extremely important chapter. Head coach Ibon Navarro has exercised the exit clause provided in the contract that bound him to the club through next season.

Navarro arrived at Unicaja in February 2022, completing half a season after which the club committed to Ibon as the leader of a new 2022-23 project in which a deep roster overhaul was undertaken. It was work that laid the foundation for one of the greatest Unicaja teams in history and the start of a cycle in which 7 titles were won: 2 Copa del Rey titles, 2 BCL titles, 2 FIBA Intercontinental Cup titles, and 1 ACB Supercup.

From that season onward, Unicaja did not miss its appointment with the Copa del Rey or the BCL Final Four, and reached 3 consecutive Liga Endesa Playoff semifinals. The only disappointment of this cycle came this season when finishing in ninth place in Liga Endesa and being unable to participate in the playoff race for the league title, a result that should not tarnish anything achieved with Ibon Navarro at the helm of our bench.

In fact, Navarro, apart from the titles that hang from the Carpena ceiling forever, leaves Málaga with a Liga Endesa record. In the 2023-24 season, Unicaja was champion of the ACB Regular Phase, also boasting the best offense and best defense in the competition, something no team has ever achieved under the current single regular season format (1994-95).

As for statistics as Unicaja's head coach, Ibon Navarro leaves as the coach with the most wins in Unicaja's history, 180 games won in 261 games directed. These numbers also position him as the coach with the best winning percentage, having won 68.97% of the games he has directed.

Unicaja Baloncesto reiterates its thanks to Ibon Navarro for all the work done during these 5 years, in which his professionalism and dedication have been exemplary for each and every one of those who are part of the club.