Jose Rizal University and its basketball coach Ariel Vanguardia have parted ways after a less than stellar season for the university who made it to the Final Four but not the finals of the NCAA this year.

JRU sources who requested anonymity said school management did not renew the contract of Vanguardia which expired after the NCAA championship series won by San Sebastian College.

Vanguardia and some JRU officials reportedly met and the coach was informed that his contract was not being renewed.

Vanguardia had coach the Heavy Bombers the past four years and nearly brought the school the coveted championship when it made the finals last year only to lose against San Beda in Game 3 of the series. Vanguardia also steered JRU to three Fional Four appearances.

With hopes high of making it to the finals again, the Bombers were beaten in the semifinals this year by San Sebastian, disappointing JRU officials who had hoped to end a title drought stretching 37 years.

“The meeting between him (Vanguardia) and Paul Supan (JRU representative to the NCAA Management Committee) was held Thursday last week. It was so quick that it took only three minutes to finish,” said the source. “Mr. Supan did not give any reason why Vanguardia was not given an extension.”

The source said that Vanguardia, who replaced Cris Calillan in 2006, was deeply surprised by the decision.

“He was deeply affected. For the past four years, coach Ariel has been able to bring JRU to the Final Four and last year sa championship. Masyado lang mabilis yung desisyon,” the sources said.

Supan could not be reach for comment.

Vanguardia started to make heads turn after leading JRU to shocking wins in the 2006 Champions League. As a wild card, the Bombers beat the then UAAP champion University of Santo Tomas.