Borussia Dortmund announced an important personnel decision on the day before the UEFA Champions League away match at FK Bodø/Glimt: Manager Niko Kovac will remain with the club through 2029.

The contract extension had been signaled recently, and now it is official. On Tuesday, Kovac signed a work agreement valid through June 30, 2029. His brother Robert will also remain as assistant, as will Filip Tapalovic.

Kovac stated that they have jointly initiated clear development and laid important foundations for the future, and they want to build on that. He emphasized that they have a clear vision of how they want to play football, how they want to perform as a side, and what it takes to achieve their goals. He stressed that it is crucial not to be satisfied with what has been achieved, but to work every day to improve. Kovac noted they see great potential and are convinced that together, with full conviction and great determination, they can achieve much more.

The German-Croatian manager took over the then-struggling Borussia Dortmund in early 2025 from 11th place and sensationally led them into the UEFA Champions League. In the 2025/2026 season, the Black and Yellows finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich, and they currently occupy second place again.

"Clear signal for consistency and stability at Borussia Dortmund"

Dortmund's sporting director Lars Ricken expressed satisfaction that the collaboration with Kovac will continue. Ricken stated that since Kovac took office just over a year and a half ago, they have been on a very good path. He noted that Kovac has consistently developed the squad and enjoys high acceptance within the club. Ricken emphasized that the extension with Kovac is also a clear signal for consistency and stability at Borussia Dortmund, and that Kovac knows what he has at Borussia Dortmund, which is why they quickly agreed to continue the path together.

In his 53 Bundesliga matches as Borussia Dortmund manager, Kovac has accumulated 114 points, which averages to an impressive 2.15 points per match. No manager in the club's history has ever achieved a better record.

Sporting director Ole Book emphasized that Kovac works extremely meticulously and radiates a calm through his experience that benefits their squad. Book noted they are in almost daily contact and working to take the next steps with the team to achieve success with Borussia Dortmund.