Pumas name Memo Vázquez as new head coach after Efraín Juárez exits

Efraín Juárez confirmed his departure as head coach of Club Universidad Nacional (Pumas) following disagreements with the club’s board over squad planning for the upcoming Apertura 2026. His tenure, which lasted a little over a year, saw Pumas reach the Clausura 2026 final and revive competitive form.

The club has moved quickly to identify a successor. Former Pumas manager Guillermo “Memo” Vázquez, who previously led the team to the 2011 league title and a 2015 league final, is widely reported as the frontrunner. Vázquez’s close ties with vice‑president of sports Antonio Sancho and sporting director Carlos Gutiérrez – who was his assistant at Cruz Azul, Necaxa and Pumas – have bolstered his candidacy. His coaching résumé includes two main spells with Pumas (2010‑2012 and 2014‑2016) and a stint at Cruz Azul in 2012, where he won the Copa MX. The university’s board must finalize the appointment as preparation for the next tournament accelerates.