Borussia Dortmund are moving towards a new contract for head coach Niko Kovac, with chief executive Carsten Cramer indicating that only further talks stand between the club and an agreement.
Kovac’s current deal expires at the end of the season. Dortmund have been signalling for weeks that they want to continue with the 54-year-old, who took charge at the start of 2025.
Quick facts
- Niko Kovac’s Dortmund contract runs out after this season.
- Dortmund have won their first six competitive matches under Kovac this term.
- The club lead the Bundesliga after four matchdays.
- Carsten Cramer, Lars Ricken and Thomas Treß recently extended their executive contracts.
- Cramer has also become chairman of Dortmund’s management board.
Cramer said the club’s regard for Kovac was exceptionally high and described an extension as a matter of time. No timetable has been set, however, with discussions still required after the international break.
“Not everyone was continuously on site during the international break, so there are still a few conversations to have,” Cramer said. “That means it remains open for the moment.”
Dortmund and Kovac had already agreed an early renewal in August 2025, but that arrangement added only one more year. The coach therefore began the present campaign without a contract beyond the summer.
His start has strengthened his position. Six straight wins in all competitions have put Dortmund top of the Bundesliga after four rounds.
The length of the proposed new agreement has not been disclosed. A deal would give Dortmund continuity across their key sporting and executive positions.
Cramer, responsible for digitalisation and internationalisation as well as marketing, sales and communications, extended alongside sporting managing director Lars Ricken and Thomas Treß. Treß oversees finance, organisation, legal matters and investor relations.
