Borussia Dortmund have announced a one-year extension for head coach Niko Kovac, keeping him at the club until 2027.
Kovac, who previously managed Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Monaco, arrived in January 2025 on an 18-month deal with Dortmund sitting 11th in the Bundesliga table.
Despite a slip to 13th, he oversaw a remarkable turnaround as the club collected 22 of a possible 24 points to finish fourth and secure Champions League football.
“With honest work, clear decisions, and great enthusiasm, we want to help Borussia Dortmund return to our former strength,” Kovac said. “We still have a lot to do together.”
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl praised the 52-year-old’s impact, noting his “conviction, intensity, and passion” and expressing confidence in continuing the momentum from last season’s strong finish.
Kovac is known for his discipline, fitness demands, and work-rate focus. He made his coaching breakthrough by guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to German Cup success in 2018 before winning the domestic double with Bayern Munich in 2018/19.
As a player, the Berlin-born coach earned 83 caps for Croatia, scoring 14 goals, while also representing Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Hamburg.
Dortmund began the new campaign with a 3-3 draw against St. Pauli, conceding twice late on and finishing with 10 men.