Pinto managed several teams in Colombia, including Santa Fe and Unión Magdalena on two occasions, before joining Club Alianza Lima (Peru) in 1997.

His job was highly criticized by the general public after very bad showings against Uruguay and Chile in 2010 World Cup Qualifying matches as well as in the 2007 Copa América.

Jorge Luis Pinto took Colombia to one of the best starts in FIFA World Cup Qualifying in Colombian football history, obtaining 10 points out of a possible 16.

However, due to several lackluster performances later on, Colombia ended in 7th place and failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

[1] Pinto took his team into the two leg intercontinental playoff against Australia for a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.