Atlas confirmed this Monday that Diego Cocca will not continue as technical director of the team for the 2026 Apertura Tournament of the MX League, after negotiations between both parties did not come to fruition despite several weeks of dialogue.

The red and black institution reported the decision through a statement, in which it explained that the new administration was unable to close an agreement with the Argentine strategist to continue the sports project.

Atlas explains why Diego Cocca will not continue on the bench

Through its social networks, the club announced the reasons why Diego Cocca will leave office before the start of Apertura 2026.

“Atlas FC informs that, as part of the institutional and sporting reconstruction process promoted by the new administration of the Club, it was not possible to reach an agreement for the continuity of Diego Cocca as coach of the first team.”

The board also revealed that both parties held various meetings to try to reach an understanding, although in the end it was not possible to sign a new contract.

"During the last few weeks, the institution held various conversations with the purpose of reaching an understanding that would allow the sports project to continue. However, despite the willingness and effort of both parties, the negotiation process did not conclude with the signing of the corresponding contract."

The second cycle of Diego Cocca in Atlas

Diego Cocca returned to Atlas in August 2025 to face the final stretch of Apertura 2025, a tournament in which the team finished in fourteenth position and was left out of the league positions.

The situation changed during Clausura 2026, a competition in which the rojinegros finished in sixth place in the standings and managed to advance to the final phase, where they reached the quarterfinals.

Although the sporting performance showed an improvement, differences with the board prevented the Argentine coach from remaining at the head of the project.

Diego Cocca leaves an important mark on Atlas

Beyond this second cycle, Diego Cocca is one of the most successful coaches in the recent stage of Atlas. In his first management he led the club to the two-time Liga MX championship between 2021 and 2022, in addition to winning the title of Champion of Champions, achievements that marked an era for the institution.

When saying goodbye to the strategist, the club thanked him for his work and dedication during his time on the bench.

"The institution thanks Diego Cocca for the professionalism, work and dedication he showed during his time at the head of the First Team, a period in which he contributed significantly to the recent history of the club. Likewise, it wishes him the greatest success in his future personal and professional projects."

Atlas accelerates the search for its new coach

With the debut in the Apertura 2026 scheduled for next Friday as a visitor against León, the Atlas board is working to define as soon as possible the new strategist who will take over the project.

The club assured that it is already holding talks with several candidates and hopes to announce Diego Cocca's replacement in the coming days.

"As part of this new institutional stage, Atlas FC maintains the process to designate the next coach. The institution is holding advanced conversations with different candidates and will announce the corresponding decision in the coming days."