Overview

• Stefan Kretzschmar announced via Instagram that he will step down as sporting director after the 2025/26 season, citing uncertainty that he said hindered squad planning.
• Bob Hanning dismissed some of Kretzschmar’s recent remarks as “grenzwertig,” affirmed he remains in charge, and has prioritized contract talks for autumn following a year of sponsor losses.
• The club said it was surprised by the decision and noted that shareholders will now determine how to shape the organization’s next steps.
• Speculation over coaching and executive roles has intensified, with Süddeutsche Zeitung reporting that, according to Bild, Hanning has offered coach Jaron Siewert an extension through 2027.
• SC DHfK’s Karsten Günther publicly urged that Kretzschmar be considered for a role serving German handball at a national level, while media also float a potential return to Leipzig as conjecture.