Magnolia (PBL) head coach (1983–1990) While being an assistant, Pumaren led the
Magnolia to six
Philippine Amateur Basketball League championship.
Assistant coach (1985–1989) Pumaren was hired an assistant coach for
San Miguel Beermen led by then import-coach
Norman Black. But when the
People Power Revolution occurred and the Beermen was left the league for a while, he worked for
Tanduay Rhum Makers under coach
Arturo Valenzona and won back-to-back championship in 1987, but lost in the third conference and spoiled their chance to swipe the prestigious
Grand slam. He returned as an assistant coach in 1987. When Norman Black returned, this time as a full-time head coach, Pumaren helped the Beermen to win four championships, including the
1989 grand slam.
Magnolia head coach (1986) In 1986, the Magnolia/SMB returned to the league in the last conference of the season, Pumaren was appointed as head coach, but placed last in the standings.
La Salle (1986–1991) Pumaren became the head coach for the
De La Salle Green Archers in the
UAAP from 1986 to the early 90s, piloting the team to its first UAAP finals appearance in
1988, and first championship in
1989 and repeating in
1990. He also called the shots for the
1991 La Salle team in a controversial UAAP championship game win over FEU in 1991.
Philippine team (1989) Pumaren led the
Philippine team (RP-5) into a silver finish against Malaysia in
1989 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games.
Triple-V (1991–1992) Pumaren led
Triple-V Restaurant into three
PABL championships.
Pepsi (1990–1994) Pumaren was hired by
Pepsi Hotshots to replace legendary PBA head coach
Ed Ocampo. Pumaren led his team to a finals appearance in
1992 PBA Third Conference finals as 7Up Uncolas, but swept by
Swift.
Sunkist Orange Juicers and success (1995–1996) Pumaren was hired as
Swift Mighty Meaties/Hotdogs head coach. In 1995, Swift changed its name to Sunkist Orange Juicers and he led his team to two championships (defeating
Alaska Milkmen in both finals series), but lost in the last conference. He won
Coach of the Year (COY) Award in the same season. But in 1996, the success was not doubled, even assisted by legendary coach Turo Valenzona.
Co-coach at Mobiline (1997) Pumaren was hired as co-coach for
Mobiline Phone Pals with
Tommy Manotoc. But their partnership did not bear any championship appearance.
Sta. Lucia Realtors (1998) He replaced
Chot Reyes as head coach of the
Sta. Lucia Realtors. He led the team to a semi-finals appearance in
1998 PBA All-Filipino Cup.
Purefoods (1999–2000) He replaced future PBA Commissioner
Chito Narvasa as
Purefoods head coach. One of the trades under him was trading away
Defense Minister Jerry Codiñera to the Mobiline Phone Pals to get the 6'9 center
Andy Seigle. In 2000, Pumaren led Purefoods to two finals appearances, first in All-Filipino Cup and the last was in the Governors' Cup.
Tanduay and FedEx (2001–2003) He coached the
Tanduay Rhum Masters on its last season in the league. When Bert Lina acquired the team, Pumaren and some players are carried over to the
FedEx Express. In 2003, he was sacked and replaced by
Bonnie Garcia.
Consultant for UE (2004–2008) When his brother
Dindo Pumaren was hired as head coach of
UE Red Warriors, Pumaren was hired as team consultant. He helped the team to reach Final Four in
2004,
2005,
2006, and
2008. He also helped the team to get a 14-0 elimination sweep that gave them to chance to skip the Final Four and advance to the finals in
2007, but got swept by the returning
De La Salle Green Archers (who were suspended the
previous year) in the finals led by their brother
Franz Pumaren.
Talk 'N Text (2006–2008) Pumaren was hired by
Talk 'N Text Phone Pals in
2005–06 season as their consultant, but later became head coach in
2006 Philippine Cup. He led his team to
2007 PBA Fiesta Conference finals, but lost to
Alaska Aces led by ex Phone Pals
Willie Miller. But after the finals appearance, they suffered some losses led to rumors of team management firing him and his staff, but after a meeting with the players, it was decided to defer the decision until after the next tournament, the
2008 PBA Fiesta Conference. He was later replaced by
Chot Reyes.
Hong Kong (2008–2014) Pumaren served as team consultant to
Hong Kong.
UE (2014–2017) Pumaren was hired by
UE Red Warriors as head coach, and led his team to a 4th seed playoff game against the eventual champions
NU Bulldogs, but lost. UE struggled and did not qualify for the next seasons that led him to resign.
CEU Scorpions (2018–2019) Pumaren was hired by
CEU Scorpions as head coach, and led his team to a better performance in
Universities and Colleges Basketball League, but once lost to Olivarez College in a semi-final game. In
2019 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, he led the Scorpions to be a great performing team, but lost to
Ateneo Blue Eagles 3 games to 1.
Return to La Salle (2020–2022) In 2020, he returned as head coach for the
De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, replacing Gian Nazario. In December 2022, La Salle opted not to renew Pumaren's contract.
Discovery–Rizal (2025) Pumaren joined the Discovery Perlas Rizal of the
Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL)
2025 regular season. This is his first time for him to coach a women's team. ==Coaching record==