He then got an offer as an assistant coach for the Cebu Gems in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, where he went straight to the finals in his first year.
After his stint with Adamson, he became head coach of the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems of the PBL in 2006,[7] and of the PBA D-League in 2011.
[8] The Elasto Painters spoiled his debut in a score of 107–100 but the Aces recovered and won 104–84 on their game vs. Barako Bull Energy.
In the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup, he helped the Aces win its 14th and final championship in franchise history, the first in the post-Tim Cone era.
His team also came within a game of ousting the eventual champion San Mig Coffee Mixers in the quarterfinals of the 2013 PBA Governors Cup.
[12] After resigning with Alaska, Trillo was offered by its main rival San Miguel Beermen to be their head coach to replace Biboy Ravanes.
In the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup he led the Meralco Bolts to their first ever championship in its franchise history after beating the San Miguel Beermen 4 games to 2.