Czech Hockey Faces Coaching Change: Who Will Replace Radim Rulík?

PRAGUE – The Czech Republic national ice hockey team is preparing for a leadership transition. Head coach Radim Rulík will step down following the upcoming May World Championship in Switzerland, opting to return to club coaching with Extraliga side Kladno. The news, confirmed Tuesday, March 17, 2026, marks the conclude of a three-year tenure for Rulík, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2024 World Championship in Prague.

The decision, while not unexpected, initiates a search for a new bench boss to guide the Czechs through the next phase of international competition. Czech Ice Hockey President Alois Hadamczik offered Rulík a two-year contract extension, but the coach ultimately decided to pursue the opportunity with Kladno, a team experiencing a resurgence under new ownership.

Rulík Cites Desire for Club Hockey

“After discussion with colleagues, we decided not to continue,” Rulík stated. “Leading the national team was a great honor, but I felt it was time for a change. I want to return to the daily perform of club hockey and development.” Hadamczik echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Rulík’s desire for a return to the daily grind of club-level coaching. “He felt it was time for a change, having spent four years with the national team program, including the under-20 squad,” Hadamczik explained.

Despite the change, Rulík will remain involved with the Czech hockey program, assisting in the development of youth players and evaluating tournaments across various age groups, working alongside Marek Židlický. This continued involvement aims to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a consistent approach to player development within the national system.

The Search Begins: A Czech Solution

Hadamczik has already stated that the search for Rulík’s replacement will prioritize a Czech coach. “We want to have clarity on the new coach before the start of the World Championship,” Hadamczik said, adding he already has a plan in mind but needs to speak with potential candidates. He ruled out considering any foreign coaches for the position. The urgency to name a successor underscores the importance of stability as the team prepares for future international challenges.

Several names have emerged as potential candidates, with Zdeněk Moták currently considered the frontrunner. Moták already has a contract with the Czech Ice Hockey Association as the head coach of the national under-20 team. A promotion to the senior team would be a natural progression for the experienced coach, who previously led HC Třinec in the Czech Extraliga.

Should Moták be elevated to the senior team, Robert Reichel could be a candidate to take over the under-20 program. Reichel received an offer to be an assistant coach in January and his current role as head coach of Litvínov will likely factor into the decision-making process.

Other Contenders in the Mix

Patrik Augusta was also reportedly a candidate of interest for the Czech Ice Hockey Association, but he has already committed to taking the helm at Sparta Praha for the upcoming season. This pre-existing commitment removes him from contention for the national team position.

Tomáš Plekanec is another name being discussed. He currently serves as an assistant coach with the national team and has recently enjoyed success with Kladno, leading the team back to the playoffs after a 13-year absence. Plekanec’s potential dual role as both a coach for the national team and a sporting director for Kladno, mirroring the current arrangement with Jiří Kalous (national team assistant and Karlovy Vary sporting manager), is a possibility.

Other potential candidates include Pavel Gross, currently without a coaching position after leaving Sparta Praha, and Miloš Hořava, who recently finished his tenure with Mladá Boleslav. Josef Jandač, who is enjoying a successful season with Plzeň, also has prior experience with the national team and could be considered for a return.

What’s Next for the Czech National Team?

The immediate focus is on the upcoming World Championship in Switzerland. The new head coach, once appointed, is expected to travel with the team to Switzerland as an observer, familiarizing themselves with the players and the existing system. Hadamczik emphasized the importance of a swift decision to ensure a seamless transition and maintain momentum within the program.

The Czech Republic will undoubtedly be looking to build on the success of the 2024 World Championship victory and remain a competitive force on the international stage. The selection of the next head coach will be a crucial step in achieving that goal. The team’s preparation schedule for the upcoming tournament, including a historic competitive match in Jihlava, is already underway, as reported on March 11, 2026.

The Czech Ice Hockey Association aims to announce Rulík’s successor before the start of the World Championship, ensuring a smooth handover and allowing the new coach to begin preparations for future competitions. The search for the right leader to guide the Czech national team forward is now officially underway.