Atlético Ottawa's new head coach is Mexico's Diego Mejía
41-year-old has played and coached in top Mexican league
Atlético Ottawa has turned to a former player and coach in Mexico's top soccer league to be their new head coach.
The Canadian Premier League club announced Thursday 41-year-old Diego Mejía will be its third head coach going into its sixth season.
Mejía most recently managed FC Juárez in the northern Mexico border city, moving up from assistant manager to the top role in April 2023. He was let go in January 2024 after the team won only five of the its 21 games that season.
He retired as a player in 2018 after a 14-year career in his home country.
The deal is for one season with a team option for a second year, Atlético said in a news release. The club is also bringing back former Ottawa Fury keeper Romuald Peiser as goalkeeper coach.
"Our mission is to bring joy and pride to our passionate and loyal fanbase through our performances on the field," Mejía is quoted as saying.
"His game model aligns with our club's vision and recruitment strategy, and his experience in Liga MX and extensive playing career bring valuable insight," said Atlético CEO Manuel Vega
"Most importantly, Diego's ability to connect with players and maximize their potential makes him an ideal leader for our team."
Atlético Ottawa and previous head coach Carlos González "mutually agreed to part ways" in November after three seasons and two playoff berths.
The team has also recently transferred locals Matteo de Brienne to Sweden's top league, and Kris Twardek to Winnipeg's Valour FC.
The league's 2025 schedule has not been released.
