In Dortmund, where early-season momentum can quickly become expectation, Niko Kovac has given Borussia Dortmund a sharp change of direction. The 54-year-old Croatian took over at Signal Iduna Park in January 2025, with the club sitting 11th in the Bundesliga after Nuri Sahin’s departure. By the end of that campaign, BVB had recovered sufficiently to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League.
A turnaround rewarded in Westphalia
That rescue operation has established Kovac firmly with Dortmund’s supporters, players and board. His existing agreement runs until July 2027, but the club’s senior figures are already working on a longer deal which could keep him in charge until 2029.
- Kovac arrived in January 2025 as Sahin’s successor.
- Dortmund were 11th in the Bundesliga at the time of his appointment.
- The club finished the season in a Champions League qualifying position.
- His current contract is due to expire in July 2027.
- A proposed extension could take the partnership through to 2029.
Cramer signals confidence over new agreement
Chief executive Carsten Cramer described the club’s regard for Kovac as exceptionally strong and suggested that a renewal is expected to be completed in time. He said the remaining delay was largely practical, with staff not constantly together at the club during the recent extended international break.
“The appreciation for Niko Kovac is incredibly high,” Cramer said. “It is clearly only a matter of time. Since not everyone was continuously at the club during the international break, there are still discussions to be held. Technically, the matter therefore remains open for the moment.”
Perfect league start strengthens Kovac’s case
The case for continuity has also been reinforced by Dortmund’s opening weeks of the new season. The Westphalian side have taken all 12 available Bundesliga points and lead the table, sitting two points clear of Bayern Munich.
There has been an encouraging continental start as well. Dortmund won their first Champions League match against Villarreal, adding a European result to a domestic opening that has placed Kovac’s team at the front of Germany’s title race.
