Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement for Niko Kovač to become their new head coach, managing director Lars Ricken confirmed following the Black-Yellows’ 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
“Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovač as their new head coach. The 53-year-old, born in Berlin, has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026, and will officially take charge next Sunday after the club’s Bundesliga match against Heidenheim” – wrote Borussia on X.
Welcome, Niko! ✍️
Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovač as their new head coach. The 53-year-old, born in Berlin, has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026, and will officially take charge next Sunday after the club’s Bundesliga match against Heidenheim. pic.twitter.com/O6hPBoCxn2
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 30, 2025
The Croatian coach will officially take charge after the match against Heidenheim, meaning on Sunday, February 2. His contract is set for 1.5 years, running until June 30, 2026. The official presentation will take place at a press conference next week.
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The Bundesliga club sacked Nuri Sahin last week after their Champions League loss at Bologna was a disappointing fourth successive defeat.
Kovac, 53, has been out of work since departing Wolfsburg in March last year.
“We have reached an agreement in principle with Niko Kovac, he will take over the team on Sunday,” Dortmund’s managing director Lars Ricken told broadcaster DAZN.
Former Croatia international Kovac has also had coaching spells at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and Monaco since managing his country between 2013-2015.
Dortmund are 11th in the German top-flight with seven wins from their 19 league games this season.
