German ski jumping is losing its long-time coach after the Olympic season. Stefan Horngacher announces he will step down from his position.
Stefan Horngacher has announced that he will end his role as head ski jumping coach for the German national team after the Olympic season. The Austrian confirmed this on the sidelines of the German Ski Association’s (DSV) uniform fitting event.
“It was always clear that the time would come at some point—after the Olympic Games is a very good time for me. I started my career as an athlete at my first World Championships in Predazzo. Ending my coaching career—at least in Germany—in Predazzo is a fitting conclusion,” the 56-year-old said in response to SPORT1 ‘s inquiry.
What comes next for him is still unclear: “Currently, the focus is on this season. We will see after the season.” DSV Sports Director Horst Hüttel emphasizes that they will try to keep Horngacher within the system.
Several Successor Candidates in the DSV Team
In response to SPORT1 ‘s inquiry, Horngacher also confirmed that he intends to hold talks with the DSV about other employment opportunities: “It’s not yet time to put my feet up. There are other jobs in the German Ski Association.”
Horngacher’s successor is still unclear. DSV Sports Director Horst Hüttel said that he first needs to “let it sink in”: “It came as a bit of a surprise to me as well.” However, they plan to sit down during the winter to “find a long-term solution.”
One candidate is Thomas Thurnbichler. The Austrian switched to the DSV after his dismissal as head coach of Poland in the spring and will initially take over the B-squad. Another option is former Swiss national coach Ronny Hornschuh, who is currently in charge of the C-squad.
Horngacher Celebrates World Championship Gold with Germany
Horngacher became the new head coach in April 2019. At that time, he succeeded Werner Schuster.
Under Horngacher, the German ski jumpers won team gold at the 2021 home World Championships in Oberstdorf. Additionally, Karl Geiger claimed the individual title at the 2020 Ski Flying World Championships in Planica.
However, the DSV team is still waiting for its first victory at the Four Hills Tournament since Sven Hannawald in 2001/2002.
Before his tenure with the DSV, Horngacher served as the head coach of Poland. During his active ski jumping career, he became world champion with the Austrian team in 1991 and 2001.