since Jürgen Klopp’s departure, Borussia Dortmund’s coaching role has been in constant flux. Nuri Sahin, the eighth coach since then, has now stepped down. Who will take the reins next? Seven potential candidates are in the mix, with one possibly not starting immediately.
Before Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s managing director, addressed the media on Tuesday evening, the verdict was already clear.Matthias Sammer, the club’s advisor and an analyst for Amazon Prime Video, didn’t explicitly announce Nuri Sahin’s departure but strongly hinted at it.
“The team is struggling both physically and mentally,” sammer remarked.“They lack defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Without a clear structure, the team is falling apart.” By Wednesday morning, Sahin was officially out.
So, what’s next? Who will replace the 36-year-old former player, who returned to the club as an assistant coach in early 2024 before stepping into the head coach role after Edin Terzic’s departure?
Potential Successors: Schmidt, Fischer, or Ten Hag?
Officially, Terzic left the position voluntarily last summer. however, whispers suggest that the club’s leadership had doubts about his long-term vision for BVB. Could he still be a contender to replace Sahin?
Unlikely, according to insiders. Dortmund seems keen to avoid repeating Hertha BSC’s approach, where Pal Dardai was rehired twice after being dismissed.
Roger Schmidt, who managed Benfica Lisbon untill August 2024, has been frequently linked to the role. Though, the 57-year-old reportedly has reservations about joining Dortmund, citing concerns over the club’s management structure.
Another name in the mix is Urs Fischer, who led 1. FC Union Berlin from 2018 to 2023. under his guidance,the club climbed from the second division to the Champions League,showcasing his ability to build and transform teams.
Niko Kovac is also being considered.The 53-year-old, who has managed Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern munich, and Wolfsburg, has been without a club as his dismissal in march 2024. His brother, Robert, once played for Dortmund, adding a personal connection to the club.
The current coaching market is limited, especially for candidates who meet Dortmund’s high standards. Erik ten Hag, recently ousted from Manchester United, was spotted at a Dortmund game, sparking rumors of a potential move. However, it’s been clarified that his visit was purely observational, with no underlying intentions.
Matthias Sammer, who led dortmund to a Bundesliga title in 2002, has repeatedly stated he has no interest in returning to coaching. “There are better options out there,” he has emphasized.
Dortmund might opt for an interim solution, waiting until summer to make a permanent hire.Sebastian Hoeness, currently at vfb stuttgart, is a potential target. Reports suggest he has an exit clause, with both Dortmund and bayer Leverkusen reportedly interested. At leverkusen, Xabi Alonso could be eyeing a new challenge, opening the door for Hoeness.
A Decade of Instability Since Klopp
Since Jürgen Klopp’s departure nearly a decade ago, Dortmund’s coaching position has been anything but stable. Sahin is the eighth coach since 2015 to fall short, following high-profile names like Thomas Tuchel, Lucien Favre, and Marco Rose.
After Rose’s exit in 2022, Dortmund turned to internal candidates like Terzic and Sahin, both with strong ties to the club but limited head coaching experience. Terzic, who served as a youth and assistant coach, took the helm in December 2020 and again in 2022 after Rose’s departure.
However, after narrowly missing the Bundesliga title in 2023 and losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid, Terzic and the club parted ways, leaving Dortmund once again in search of a long-term solution.
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Borussia Dortmund’s coaching saga continues to unfold following the departure of nuri Sahin,the eighth head coach since Jürgen Klopp’s iconic era ended. Sahin, who was appointed in June 2024, has been dismissed after a series of poor performances, including a 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the UEFA Champions League, marking the team’s fourth consecutive loss in 2025 [3]. The club announced the separation with immediate effect, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the next leader to guide the team.
### The End of Sahin’s Tenure
Sahin’s dismissal was seemingly unavoidable. Matthias Sammer, dortmund’s advisor, hinted at the decision even before it was officially confirmed, citing the team’s struggles both physically and mentally, and also a lack of defensive and attacking structure. By Wednesday morning, the formal declaration was made, leaving Dortmund without a head coach ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen [1].
### Who Will Step In Next?
The search for sahin’s successor is already underway. While seven candidates are reportedly in consideration,the club appears persistent to avoid revisiting past figures like Edin Terzic,who left voluntarily last summer but whose long-term vision was reportedly questioned by the leadership. Rather, Dortmund is focused on fresh perspectives, with names like Roger Schmidt, Gerhard Fischer, and Erik ten Hag emerging as potential contenders. Schmidt,known for his high-energy style,and Fischer,with his tactical acumen,seem to align with Dortmund’s need for a structured,forward-thinking approach. Ten Hag, meanwhile, brings a pedigree of success from his time at Ajax and Manchester United.
### The Challenges Ahead
Whoever takes the reins will face significant challenges. Dortmund’s recent performances have highlighted systemic issues, from defensive vulnerabilities to a lack of attacking cohesion. The new coach must not only stabilize the team but also restore confidence among players and fans alike. With the Bundesliga season in full swing and the Champions League still a priority,time is of the essence.
### A Rebuilding Phase
This coaching change underscores a broader issue for Dortmund: the constant flux since Klopp’s departure has prevented the club from establishing a long-term identity. The next appointment will be crucial in determining whether Dortmund can return to their former glory or continue to struggle in the shadow of their past success.
while Nuri Sahin’s departure marks the end of a short-lived chapter, it also opens the door to a new era for Borussia Dortmund. The club’s next move will be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory.
