Dortmund extends Kovac contract through 2029

Borussia Dortmund extended Niko Kovac's contract through 30 June 2029 after he signed on Tuesday, also retaining assistants Robert Kovac and Filip Tapalovic. The 54-year-old took over in spring 2025 with the side 11th, guided them to Champions League qualification on the final day of 2024-25, then finished second last season with 73 points, the club's fifth-best total. Club figures show 114 points from 53 Bundesliga matches at 2.15 per game, the best average by a Dortmund coach. Lars Ricken, managing director of sport, said extending the deal "is also a clear signal of our commitment to continuity and stability at Borussia Dortmund." Carsten Cramer and Olli Bock praised Kovac's fit, harmony with the staff, and the trust built since Bock arrived. Kovac said they have laid important foundations and will not settle for what they have achieved. Sources put Dortmund second after five matchdays—tied with Freiburg on points in some reports, second on goal difference per Reuters, with Goal/AFP listing 13 points. Next up are Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday and Union Berlin away in the league.