1. FC Köln have made a decision regarding the Head Coach position. René Wagner will continue on in the role and has signed a contract until 2028.
“We used the period following the end of the season intensively, not only looking at the development over the last few months but also to look forward. In our discussions across several levels, René was able to convince all of the groups involved. He has a high level of sporting competence, a clear and authentic way of leading a group and a very concrete vision of how we want to develop our team in the future,” said FC Managing Director, Thomas Kessler.
René Wagner was previously at 1. FC Köln from 2021 until the end of 2023 as Assistant Coach under Steffen Baumgart. After the latter’s departure as Head Coach, Wagner followed him to Hamburger SV and 1. FC Union Berlin. During that time (January 2024 – June 2025), he completed his coaching badges with the FA and earned his Pro Licence. In Summer 2025, Wagner returned to FC in order to gain experience under a new Head Coach and expand his knowledge. In March 2026, he took over from Lukas Kwasniok as Head Coach and led the club away from relegation and to 14th place in the Bundesliga.
“René fits us very well, because he doesn’t just understand the values of our club but lives them. That also goes for the city of Köln, with all its challenges and dynamics. Since he took over, he has shown that he can give direction in a difficult situation and bring people together for a shared goal. Looking ahead to the development of our team, we now see the chance to build something together and develop as a result. We are convinced that René, with his manner, with his clarity and with his expertise, is the right Head Coach for the path we are on with 1. FC Köln,” explained Kessler.
“I am very pleased with the decision and the trust from those responsible at FC. The fact that I am able to take on this role with FC in the Bundesliga is something special for me. Five years ago, we reached the Conference League in my first season here and, just two seasons later, had to watch on from afar as FC were relegated. That hurt. This time, we were able to stay up. That was the main goal in the last few weeks and is the basis for taking the club, together with the team, another step in the direction of becoming a stable Bundesliga club. I will do everything to make that happen,” said René Wagner.