Ski jumping – Germany head coach Stefan Horngacher to step down after the 2026 Olympics

Germany’s ski jumping head coach Stefan Horngacher will step down after the upcoming Olympic season, the German Ski Association (DSV) announced in Nuremberg on Wednesday.

Horngacher, an Austrian who took over in 2019 from compatriot Werner Schuster, said: “For me, the circle closes. This will be my last season as head coach.” He explained that announcing the decision before the season helps avoid distractions and makes things easier for the athletes.

Key achievements during his tenure include team gold at the home Nordic World Championships in Oberstdorf 2021 and Karl Geiger’s individual world title at the 2020 Ski Flying World Championships in Planica. However, Germany is still waiting for a victory at the Four Hills Tournament under his leadership.

Before joining the DSV, the 56‑year‑old, who now resides in the Black Forest, was Poland’s head coach and, as an athlete, a world champion ski jumper.

DSV sport director Horst Hüttel said there are no concrete plans yet for a successor and admitted the news also surprised him. He emphasized the need to find a long‑term solution. Internal candidates exist: Thomas Thurnbichler, formerly Poland’s head coach and now responsible for Germany’s B‑team, and Ronny Hornschuh, the former Swiss national coach who leads the C‑team. Horngacher added that retirement isn’t imminent for him; he is open to other roles within the DSV and will discuss possible opportunities after the season.