It’s a bigger role, bigger responsibilities, but that’s the way coach Yeb likes it.
After years of coaching one of the best MLBB teams in the world, Fnatic ONIC coach Yeb is taking his next step forward by becoming the team’s general manager. The former head coach spoke with the media about his journey and decision to take on a bigger role in the team.
In his four years of professional coaching, Paul “Yeb” Miranda spent a majority of them with the Sonics, first with the Philippine branch and then with Indonesia. In that time coaching for Fnatic ONIC he’s made three M-series world championship appearances, placing second twice. He’s also won four MPL Indonesia championships in a row, with his crowning achievement being his victory at the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup 2023.
He’s earned many laurels in his career and would certainly earn more if he stayed but coach Yeb already had a vision of what his next steps were going to be. “From the first time I entered esports, first as a player, I was already thinking about my career path,” said Fnatic ONIC coach Yeb. “Maybe I can try coaching. Then I was already thinking about what’s next after coaching. I was thinking about trying management and Fnatic ONIC gave me that chance.”
Coach Yeb revealed that he was already thinking about returning to the Philippines, especially now that he’s a father. Not wanting to let go of a talent like coach Yeb, Fnatic ONIC offered him the general manager position so that he could fulfill his desire to return home while still being a part of the team.
Up For The Challenge
“My job [as a general manager] is to support our MLBB teams in the Philippines and Indonesia. I’m here to help them perform better,” said Fnatic ONIC coach Yeb. “It’s my job to focus on which direction will benefit us more so there’s no bias involved.”
Even so, old habits die hard and one of the challenges coach Yeb faces is having to hold himself back. “I need to control myself since I’m not the head coach anymore. I have to talk to the coaching staff first and then the players, I have to consider different POV’s. It’s very different. Sometimes I prefer just watching online so I don’t comment on their performance! I need to respect them and not micromanage.”
Another challenge is that he’s still getting used to his new role as a general manager. “I’ve envisioned being in this position but right now I’m not 100% there. There’s still things that I’m learning about the role,” said Fnatic ONIC coach Yeb.
Still, coach Yeb has a clear idea of what he wants to do for the team. To him, it goes back to the fundamental question of “how can I be more helpful? Because as a coach I can only handle my team, I can’t affect the other sides of the organization. But this time I can now better help and organize our teams.”
“There’s actually more pressure on me but based on my personality, I don’t mind the pressure,” continued coach Yeb with a knowing smile. “It’s fun to have more responsibilities. It gives me more opportunities to study and learn.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.