Yeng Guiao formally stepped down as head coach of NLEX, a shocking move that came three weeks before the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup.

The Road Warriors made the confirmation, saying that they "mutually" parted ways with the 63-year-old mentor after they failed to reach a contract extension agreement heading into the midseason conference that opens on 21 September.

"It was a mutual decision between the NLEX Road Warriors management and Coach Yeng Guiao to end the agreement," the Road Warriors management said in a statement Friday.

"We thanked him for developing the team. In fact, we reached the semifinals twice and his showed how he professionalized the team."

The Road Warriors also thanked the seven-time champion coach for his contributions to the organization and helping develop young stars like Kevin Alas and Calvin Oftana.

"We wish Coach Yeng all the best in his future endeavors," NLEX said.

Reports have it that Guiao will be returning to Rain or Shine while the Road Warriors are looking at either Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico or Meralco deputy Luigi Trillo as his replacement.

It could have been Guiao's sixth season with the Road Warriors.

He left Rain or Shine in 2016 with the hopes of leading the Manny Pangilinan-owned club to its first title after two forgettable seasons under Boyet Fernandez.

Guiao steered the Road Warriors to a pair of semifinal appearances with the latest coming in the recent Governors' Cup in which they pushed powerhouse Ginebra San Miguel to the limit before surrendering in their best-of-five duel.

But Guiao's stint with the Road Warriors was also marred with controversy.

Guiao found himself in the eye of the storm when Kiefer Ravena walked away in the middle of his three-year contract to join Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B. League.