Rene Wagner will remain the head coach of 1. FC Köln on an interim basis, having signed a contract that extends until 2028. According to the Bundesliga club on Friday, the club management spent the time following the season intensely focused not only on reviewing recent progress but primarily on setting a course for the future. FC CEO Thomas Kessler stated that Wagner convinced them during these discussions across multiple levels and with all stakeholders. Kessler highlighted that Wagner possesses high sporting competence, a clear and authentic leadership style, and a concrete vision for how the team should develop moving forward. Wagner first served as a co-coach for FC between 2021 and the end of 2023 under Steffen Baumgart. After their separation from the head coaching role, the two worked together coaching Hamburger SV and 1. FC Union Berlin. During this period (January 2024 to June 2025), the 37-year-old completed the English Football Association training course, earning the internationally recognized Pro License. He rejoined the Rheinländer as a co-coach in the summer of 2025. In March 2026, following the release of Lukas Kwasniok, Wagner took over as head coach and led the FC professionals to secure their place in the Bundesliga.
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