Through one of Tinoco's college contacts, he received an invitation to become the Cayman Islands national football team's head coach in 2003.[2] Accepting the offer, the Brazilian faced obstruction in selecting players due to the small population and the lack of enthusiasm for football.[3] To qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, his team had to play a two-match leg against Cuba in 2004,[3] losing both times. Next, Tinoco continued his managing career and assumed the role of head coach of the TT Pro League's United Petrotrin F.C. in 2009;his aim was to take charge of the senior squad, to expedite a developmental program,[4] and to gain entry into the 2009 CFU Club Championship.[5] Tinoco's decided to sign players Aurtis Whitley, Arnold Dwarika, Stokely Mason, Nigel Pierre, Cyd Gray, Ian Gray, and Gary Glasgow for the 2009 TT Pro League.[6] The team also went on a two-week preseason camp in Colombia, where they played four friendlies – winning one, tying one, and losing the other two under Tinoco.[5] In the course of his stay there, the coach was involved in a fight with Earl Jean, then coach of San Juan Jabloteh; he later apologized for his imprudent behavior.[7]
At the 2010 Under-17 Copa Coca-Cola, Tinoco was the coach of the Tanzania U17.[1] One of the coaches eyeing the Tanzania national team job in 2010,[8] has criticized the Tanzania Football Federation for its management and commitment on youth football.[9]
Technical director of the Cayman Islands Football Association from 2010 to 2014, Tinoco became a FIFA Technical Development Officer for the CONCACAF region in 2014.[10] With FIFA Development Officer Angenie Kanhai, he visited the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence in Bermuda to discuss football development with the Bermuda Football Association[11]