The 68th edition of the Ecuadorian Football Championship, named Liga Ecuabet commercially from 2025, is set to commence on February 20 with a match between Orense SC and Liga de Quito at the Nueve de Mayo Stadium in Machala. A notable aspect of this season is that 47.75% of the coaching positions across the sixteen participating teams in Serie A will be held by Ecuadorian coaches, showcasing a strong local influence in the management of these teams.

Among the teams, Universidad Católica continues to trust Diego Martínez, who took charge in 2025 and secured the Copa Ecuador title, marking the first championship in the club’s history. Guayaquil City has also shown long-term commitment to its coach, Pool Gavilánez, who has been with the club for nine years, hinting at stability and continuity as the team prepares for the competitive season ahead.

This trend of hiring local coaches could be indicative of a growing confidence in Ecuadorian talent and an effort to enhance the national football project. By prioritizing local leadership, teams may not only foster home-grown talent but also potentially improve their chances in the league through a deeper understanding of the players and the local game dynamics.