Overview

• Sporting director Matthias Baldys announced the decision in a club statement that emphasized ongoing, trustful dialogue about Jalonen’s life plans.
• Kari Jalonen said he made the decision with his family and stressed full focus on completing the current campaign with Cologne.
• The Haie sit fourth after 10 of 52 PENNY DEL regular-season games, a position that would secure direct playoff qualification.
• Appointed in 2024, Jalonen led Cologne to the DEL vice-championship in his first season, losing the final series to Eisbären Berlin.
• The club has not named a successor for the head coach role, noting that the transition details will be determined at a later date.