Miguel Herrera is returning to Club America for the 2017 Apertura, the club announced Friday.
The former Mexico manager's return had been rumored for months after it became clear Ricardo La Volpe would not stay on past the Clausura, which saw America fall short of the playoffs a tournament after finishing as runner-up.
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Herrera took Tijuana to the No. 1 spot in the regular season for the second consecutive tournament, but Xolos were eliminated by Tigres in the semifinals last weekend. Herrera had taken over at Tijuana prior to the 2016 Clausura, sitting out for six months after being fired as Mexico coach. His final act with El Tri was winning the Gold Cup but he was fired hours later after a physical altercation with a commentator at the airport returning from the tournament.
Prior to taking over for Mexico and securing El Tri's qualification to the 2014 World Cup through a playoff victory against New Zealand, Herrera coached America from the 2012 Clausura until the 2013 Apertura. In the four tournaments at the helm, the now 49-year-old won the 2013 Clausura and had a strong 2013 Apertura campaign before taking over Mexico during the season.
America had announced earlier Friday that Santiago Banos, who worked with Herrera since he played for "El Piojo" with Atlante early in the 2000s, is coming to the club as sporting director. Banos left his position with the Mexican national team, where he stayed on after Herrera's firing, earlier this week.
Herrera is expected to give an introductory news conference Tuesday morning.
His departure at the end of the campaign had been expected for months, with Tijuana's replacement also an open secret. Xolos announced Friday night that it has agreed to a deal with former Rosario Central coach Eduardo Coudet. The 42-year-old played with a number of Argentine clubs, including Rosario Central, but also suited up for San Luis and Necaxa in Mexico before closing out his career in the United States.
