Francisco Jémez Martín, commonly known as Paco as a player, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender, and the current manager of Rayo Vallecano. Over 11 seasons, he played 269 La Liga matches in representation of three teams, mainly Deportivo and Zaragoza. He appeared for Spain at Euro 2000. Paco started working as a manager in 2007, going on to work with several clubs.
Jémez took up coaching in 2007, first with lowly RSD Alcalá. He moved to the second division the following campaign, with Córdoba, being sacked with 11 matches to go. In early 2009, Jémez signed with FC Cartagena, ultimately being the coach that earned the Murcia club a first ever promotion to the second tier. He left in July. On 12 April 2010, following Sergije Krešić's dismissal, Jémez was appointed coach at struggling UD Las Palmas in the second level. He eventually led his hometown side safe from the relegation zone in a 17th-place finish, being dismissed on 27 February 2011. On 22 June 2012, after taking Córdoba to the first round in the division two promotion playoffs, Jémez was appointed at former club Rayo in the top flight. After leading the team to their best-ever ranking in the competition, eighth, he renewed his contract until June 2015. On 26 May 2016, after Rayo's top level relegation, Jémez failed to agree new terms and was appointed manager at Granada CF on 20 June. However, on 28 September, he was sacked after only six games in charge, no wins and a club-worst start to a season in more than 70 years.
Mexico
On 28 November 2016, Jémez was named head coach of Cruz Azul in the Mexican Liga MX. He led the team to their first playoff appearance in three years. The following 27 November, he decided not renew his contract and left.
Back to Spain
On 21 December 2017, Jémez returned to Las Palmas, becoming the third permanent manager in charge of the club during the campaign. He rejoined Rayo Vallecano in late March 2019, replacing Míchel who had been dismissed two days earlier after losing seven league games in a row, which left the team at risk of top flight relegation, and agreeing to a deal until June 2020.
Personal life
Jémez's father, Francisco Crespo Aguilar, was a flamenco singer who released two records. His son nearly embraced the sport of golf, having a 1.4 handicap.
