The news that broke on Monday evening about Mexican coach Miguel Herrera losing his job will have surprised many given that his team had just claimed a record seventh Gold Cup victory just hours earlier.
The reasons behind his sacking are perhaps less surprising than the sacking itself, however. Herrera, an unapologetically impassioned man became an internet hero with his wild touchline celebrations and off the field outbursts, and as such the news of his attack on a journalist seemed an almost fitting end to his reign in charge of El Tri.
Herrera's emotions and his everyman approach to his job endeared him to players and fans alike, but was also his undoing. His attack on journalist Christian Martinoli was the last straw for the Mexican FA.
"El Piojo's" last achievement as Mexican coach in winning the Gold Cup has secured El Tri a playoff with the United States for qualification to be CONCACAF's representatives at the Confederations Cup in October.
Mexican football federation president announced the sacking of Herrera in a statement yesterday whilst giving no indication as to who the next coach may be for the important date in October.
Here are some potential suitors for the job:
Luis Fernando Tena
Tena has previously held the Mexico coaching role and despite his defeat to the United States in the playoff for the 2013 Confederations Cup, the Mexican FA tend to stick with coaches they already know.
Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti
Fresh from his success with Copa Libertadores finalists Tigres, Ferretti would make a reliable choice for the Mexican head coach. His defensive approach and possession-filled philosophy could take Mexico to the next level.
Marcelo Bielsa
"El Loco" could be the perfect replacement for Herrera and would recapture the passion and intensity that Herrera's departure will vacate. Having already worked miracles with Chile and currently revitalizing Marseille, Bielsa could be a great fit, if an unlikely one.
Pedro Caixinha
Having recently sealed the Liga MX title with Santos Laguna, Caixinha could be the favorite of the Mexican FA - though it may be difficult to prize him away from Santos.
Antonia Mohamed
Having won titles with Monterrey and Tijuana, Mohamed could be a strong favorite for the Mexican FA having built a very impressive reputation in the country. Perhaps the favorite?
Whoever De Maria chooses to replace Herrera, one thing is for certain: the Internet will be a much a quieter place without him.
Perhaps it's worth taking another look at a few last examples:
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