Guillermo Hoyos Takes Over as Inter Miami Interim Head Coach Following Mascherano's Departure

Less than half a year after capturing the MLS Cup, Inter Miami find themselves searching for a new head coach. Javier Mascherano stepped down from his position on Tuesday, leaving the defending champions under the guidance of someone whose recent coaching record includes just one victory in 13 matches while managing a Bolivian side.

Ángel Guillermo Hoyos, who previously served as the club's sporting director, has been tapped to assume interim control of the first team. The decision to move a sporting director directly into the coaching hot seat represents an unconventional approach — one that suggests Miami's front office was caught somewhat off guard by this development.

Examining Hoyos's coaching credentials

His managerial résumé raises some eyebrows. During his stint with Oriente Petrolero in 2023, Hoyos compiled a concerning record: a single win, four draws, and eight defeats over 13 fixtures. His previous experience wasn't much better — managing 57 matches combined at Talleres de Córdoba, Aldosivi, and Liga MX's Atlas, where he recorded 15 victories, 12 stalemates, and 28 losses. More than half of those encounters ended in disappointment.

Hoyos's primary responsibility is to maintain stability while ownership — Jorge Mas and David Beckham — conduct their search for a full-time replacement. According to the club, that process has already begun in earnest.

For now, Hoyos inherits the responsibility of managing Lionel Messi, a situation that could be viewed as either a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or an incredibly high-pressure assignment, depending on your perspective.

Organizational changes in Fort Lauderdale

Mascherano's departure isn't the only significant shift happening at Inter Miami. Alberto Marrero is transitioning from director of football to sporting director — filling the vacancy left by Hoyos as he moves pitchside. The club is essentially overhauling its entire football operations structure all at once.

By most standards, Mascherano's time in charge was successful. He secured the MLS Cup and guided the team to a Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal appearance. However, this season's Round of 16 elimination by Nashville apparently proved sufficient to prompt organizational change.

Miami's performance under an interim manager with a modest coaching pedigree will have direct implications for their betting odds as the MLS season progresses. A squad constructed around Messi facing structural uncertainty at the leadership level creates an uncomfortable situation for anyone currently backing them.

The club will be eager to finalize a permanent appointment sooner rather than later.