Niko Kovac: Borussia Dortmund extend manager’s contract until 2029

Borussia Dortmund have extended head coach Niko Kovac’s contract until 30 June 2029.

The club has also renewed the deals of his assistants Robert Kovac and Filip Tabalowicz, keeping the current coaching staff in place.

Sporting director Lars Ricken said the team had been “moving in the right direction” since Kovac took charge more than 18 months ago.

“He has continuously developed the team and enjoys great acceptance within the club,” Ricken said. “This extension sends a clear message about our desire for stability and continuity. Both sides quickly reached agreement to continue working together.”

Chief executive Karsten Kramer praised Kovac’s connection with the club and his alignment with Dortmund’s identity.

Sporting director Omer Toprak highlighted the Croatian’s “great precision” and the calm he brings through his experience. Toprak said ongoing communication with the coaching staff is focused on further developing the squad and achieving more success.

Kovac was appointed in the spring of 2025 with Dortmund sitting 11th in the Bundesliga. He guided the side to Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2024-25 season.

Last term he led Dortmund to second place in the league with 73 points — the fifth-highest total in the club’s history.

In 53 Bundesliga matches in charge, Kovac has collected 114 points at an average of 2.15 per game, the highest rate of any Dortmund manager.

Kovac said: “We have started a clear path of development together and laid important foundations for the future. We aim to build on them.

“We have a clear vision regarding our style of play, how we present ourselves as a team, and what it takes to achieve our goals. The most important thing is not to settle for what we have achieved, but to work every day to become better.

“We see great potential and believe that we can achieve more together, with great determination and resolve.”