After seven years, Stefan Horngacher is quitting as national coach of the German ski jumping elite. The Austrian, who has looked after the DSV Adler since 2019, will probably not be without a job for too long. As a journalist revealed on Polish television, the 56-year-old has already agreed with an ex-employer about returning.
“According to the information I received here in Planica, Stefan Horngacher is returning to the Polish national team. That will happen. I was able to confirm this on Sunday with my research,” revealed the renowned ski jumping journalist Jakub Balcerski from “sport.pl” on Monday on “TVP Sport”.
It is “still unclear” what role the Austrian will take on in the association; it is most likely that Horngacher will return to Poland as sports director. The 54-year-old successfully worked as national coach for the proud ski jumping nation from Eastern Europe for three years between 2016 and 2019 before taking up the national coaching job at DSV.
According to Balcerski, Horngacher’s commitment should be confirmed around the upcoming Easter weekend. On the sidelines of the World Cup final in Planica, PZN boss Adam Małysz did not want to comment on the personnel and pointed out that he would first go on a two-week vacation. They then wanted to announce a “surprise” at a press conference.
Ski jumping: Stoch coach also stays in Poland
“We agreed that we would sit down after the season and analyze what went well and what needs to be improved. However, I have a surprise up my sleeve that I’m saving for now. After the holidays, on April 15th to be precise, there will be a press conference at which I will clear the air,” he announced.
According to information from “sport.pl”, it is also clear that Michal Dolezal will also remain with the Polish association. He most recently worked with Kamil Stoch. But he ended his career after the season. His trainer is accordingly back on the market. Malysz even brought him into play at DSV as Horngacher’s successor.
“The Doležal-Horngacher duo will work for Poland again,” announced Balcerski. It is conceivable that the 48-year-old “specializes in equipment, assists in the national team or works for Stefan Horngacher.”
