López left River Plate after the 1981 season to join Talleres de Córdoba, where he played during 1982.

He was signed by River's rivals, Boca Juniors, in 1983, and played 38 games for the club with 6 goals scored.

In 1984, he joined Argentinos Juniors and helped them to secure their first ever Primera División title in the 1984 Metropolitano.

He then managed Instituto, Unión de Santa Fe, Rosario Central and Olimpo.

Therefore, at the end of the tournament he was confirmed as the team's manager for the following championship by club president Daniel Passarella.