Chris Vega, Architect of Bullsnakes' Best Season, Takes Helm at Mexico's Colibris De Cacahoatan

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – July 14, 2025 – Former New Mexico Bullsnakes head coach Chris Vega, who led the American Basketball Association (ABA) team to their most successful season to date, has been officially named the new head coach of the Colibris De Cacahoatan, a professional basketball team competing in Mexico's CIBAPAC league. The move marks a significant step for Vega, transitioning from a celebrated run in the ABA to the burgeoning professional circuit south of the border.

Vega’s tenure with the New Mexico Bullsnakes was nothing short of remarkable. During the 2023-2024 ABA season, he steered the Albuquerque-based squad to their best-ever performance, culminating in a division championship. His leadership and strategic prowess were instrumental in transforming the Bullsnakes into a dominant force, earning him widespread recognition within the ABA.

Vega Reflects on Bullsnakes Success

Upon his new appointment, Vega shared heartfelt words regarding his time in New Mexico. "I want to sincerely thank owner Nick Lourenco and the entire New Mexico Bullsnakes organization for giving me the opportunity to coach at a high level—an experience that has helped pave the way to my next step in the professional league in Mexico," Vega stated.

He also extended his gratitude to the fans and players who were integral to the team's success. "To everyone who supported the New Mexico Bullsnakes, your energy and belief meant the world. A special thanks to the players who showed up every single day, put in the work, and helped bring home winning seasons and a division championship."

A Look Ahead to Mexico and Beyond

The Colibris De Cacahoatan, representing the state of Chiapas, will undoubtedly look to Vega to bring that same winning culture and strategic vision to their organization. CIBAPAC, the Circuito de Baloncesto del Pacífico, has been steadily gaining prominence as a competitive professional league in Mexico, and the addition of a coach with Vega's recent track record signals the Colibris' ambition to climb to the top.

Vega concluded his remarks with a hopeful message for the New Mexico basketball community: "Keep supporting basketball in Albuquerque and New Mexico—it’s a special place. And who knows… we might just run it back someday!"

For Chris Vega, this new chapter represents an exciting opportunity to apply his coaching philosophy in a new league and country. Fans of both the New Mexico Bullsnakes and the Colibris De Cacahoatan will be keenly watching to see the impact of this highly anticipated coaching change. The CIBAPAC season is expected to bring a fresh wave of competition, and with Coach Vega now at the helm, the Colibris De Cacahoatan are poised to be a team to watch.