Overview
- The Deutscher Handballbund announced Friday that it has extended Alfred Gislason's contract until 30 July 2028, covering the 2027 home World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- DHB officials said the extension is meant to preserve continuity after the team rebuilt under Gislason and to capitalise on recent podium finishes rather than start a new coaching cycle.
- Internal DHB discussions had included meetings with SC Magdeburg coach Bennet Wiegert and TBV Lemgo coach Florian Kehrmann as potential successors, but both were passed over in favour of keeping Gislason.
- The decision followed Germany’s Olympic silver in Paris 2024 and European Championship silver in 2026, and players publicly backed Gislason’s continued leadership and the younger core he developed.
- The federation faced criticism for delays in finalising the appointment, placing pressure on sport director Ingo Meckes, and DHB statements hint that a coaching change after the 2028 Olympiad remains possible.