1. FC Köln will head into the 2024-25 season with new coaching staff. After a detailed analysis of the past campaign, FC and Timo Schultz came to the discussion to not extend his contract which expires in the summer. André Pawlak and Kevin McKenna will also leave the club. FC Managing Director, Christian Keller made the announcement on Monday morning.
Schultz took over in January 2024 as successor to Steffen Baumgart with the team sitting in the relegation places. Despite stabilising the performances, Timo Schultz was unable to guide the team to safety.
Managing Director, Christian Keller said: “We took our time over the past week in order to analyse the Rückrunde with Timo. As a result, we were of the opinion that we needed new impulses for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season. I want to thank Timo for his efforts at FC. As a coach and as a person, he gave his all for the club from his first until his last day. I wish him the very best for the future in the name of everyone at FC.”
Timo Schultz said: “After the detailed analysis of the Rückrunde, together we came to the decision of not extending the working relationship past summer. Due to the fact that we didn’t manage to achieve our goal of staying up, I am of the opinion that it is consequent and right that someone else is here to start afresh. I want to thank everyone who supported me in my time at FC and everyone who helped me around the city. I wish FC the very best for the new season.”
Assistant coaches André Pawlak and Kevin McKenna will also leave the club. Pawlak had informed FC prior to the decision that he wanted to take on a new challenge. As part of the analysis this season, it was decided that Pawlak would be allowed to leave and cancel his contract until 2025. McKenna’s contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season, will not be extended in order to allow a fresh start on all three positions.
“We want to thank André and Kevin for all the effort they put into their work at FC at all times. Under the change of head coaches they remained loyal to the cause and worked at a high level. For their future, we wish them both the very best,” said Keller. The team was informed on Monday morning over a video call about the decision.
