Paulo Coco Named First Head Coach of LOVB Miami
League One Volleyball (LOVB) named Paulo Coco as the first head coach of LOVB Miami for the 2026/27 season. According to the league, Coco previously led LOVB Atlanta to a 24-12 record over two seasons, earning the 2025 Coach of the Year award for a 13-3 campaign.
Why does Paulo Coco’s hiring matter for LOVB Miami?
The appointment of Paulo Coco brings a proven winning record to the Miami expansion franchise. Coco’s two-year regular season record of 24-12 with LOVB Atlanta is the best in the league, according to official LOVB announcements.
Coco’s ability to build a competitive roster is evidenced by the 2025 season, where he led Atlanta to a 13-3 mark. This performance earned him the league’s Coach of the Year honors. He leaves Atlanta after finishing second in the 2026 regular season standings.
What is Paulo Coco’s international coaching record?
Coco’s pedigree extends beyond the American professional circuit. According to LOVB, he helped the Brazilian National Team secure gold medals at the Beijing and London Olympics, as well as a silver medal in Tokyo.
His international resume includes three World Championship silver medals and two bronze medals. Additionally, he has secured 17 medals during Volleyball Nations League and World Grand Prix competitions.
Before his time in the U.S., Coco won league titles in 2017/18 and 2022/23 as the head coach of Dentil/Praia Clube. His leadership there also resulted in two South American Club Championships and four silver medals in the same competition.
How does the LOVB Pro expansion affect the Eastern Conference?
LOVB Miami is one of four expansion teams entering LOVB Pro for the 2026/27 season. According to the league, Miami will compete in the Eastern Conference alongside LOVB Atlanta, LOVB Madison, LOVB Nebraska, and fellow newcomer LOVB Minnesota.
This expansion signals a strategic push to increase the professional footprint of women’s volleyball in the U.S. By placing a coach with Coco’s specific Brazilian expertise in a market like Miami, the league is leveraging regional cultural ties to sports to build a fan base.
How does this hire compare to traditional U.S. coaching trends?
The move to hire a coach with deep Brazilian roots—both as a player and a coach—contrasts with the traditional U.S. pipeline that often relies on collegiate coaching experience. Coco played professionally for 10 seasons, winning four Superliga titles with Banespa/São Paulo.
By importing a coach who has won at the Olympic and World Championship levels, LOVB Miami is prioritizing international tactical sophistication over domestic collegiate familiarity. This shift mirrors trends seen in other professional U.S. sports leagues that recruit international head coaches to accelerate the development of expansion franchises.
Quick Comparison: Paulo Coco’s Career Highlights
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| LOVB Record | 24-12 (Best in League) |
| Olympic Success | 2 Gold (Beijing, London), 1 Silver (Tokyo) |
| Club Titles | 2 Brazilian League Titles (Dentil/Praia Clube) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the first head coach of LOVB Miami?
Paulo Coco, the former LOVB Atlanta head coach and Brazilian National Team assistant, is the first head coach of LOVB Miami.
When does LOVB Miami begin play?
LOVB Miami will join the league for the 2026/27 season as part of a four-team expansion.
What was Paulo Coco’s record with LOVB Atlanta?
According to the league, Coco led Atlanta to a 24-12 record over two seasons, including a 13-3 run in 2025.
Which conference will LOVB Miami play in?
LOVB Miami will compete in the Eastern Conference.
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