Former Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac has been appointed as the new head coach of Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month contract.
The 53-year-old will take charge from Sunday, after BVB’s game with Heideheim, and replaces Nuri Sahin, who was sacked last week.
Kovac won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double at Bayern in 2019 and Dortmund managing director of sport Lars Ricken told the club’s website: “We have had intensive discussions with Niko Kovac in the past few days and deliberately given him time to get to know ourselves and our expectations better.
“Energy, will and the importance of team spirit have always distinguished Niko’s teams. We also want to feel and see all this on and off the pitch.
“We are in a challenging situation but we’re sure that in Nico we have found a coach that will be able to master it.”
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
Dortmund beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 last night to secure a place in the Champions League playoffs but have found the going tougher in the Bundesliga.
They sit 11th having won just one of their last 11 games.
Kovac said: “The conversations with Lars Ricken were very constructive, with the necessary depth, clarity and familiarity appropriate to the situation.
“All those responsible for BVB have given us a very good feeling in the talks, so I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together in the future. First and foremost, it is now about bringing the absolute will, a big heart and the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the best possible way in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and in the summer at the Club World Cup. We are taking this challenge with determination and focus.”