1. FC Köln have signed a new head coach. Steffen Baumgart will take charge of FC at the start of the 2021-22 season. The 49-year-old coach has a contract until 2023 that is valid for both Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.

“We are very pleased that Steffen Baumgart decided to join 1. FC Köln. He has put in some outstanding work in Paderborn over the past few years. He has shown that he can develop and improve players no matter what age they are. Therefore, he is the right man for the way in which we have to go in the coming years. He is also an emotional leader, who fits well to FC,” said FC Managing Director, Horst Heldt.

Steffen Baumgart took charge of SC Paderborn in 2017 and was unable to prevent the club from being relegated to the Regionalliga. However, as 1860 München did not receive a licence for the 3. Liga, the Ostwestfalen outfit remained in the league. Back-to-back promotions followed as Baumgart led them to their second Bundesliga season.

“After over four years in Paderborn, it was time for a change for me. The talks with the board at FC were trusting and open. I am looking forward to my new challenge in Köln next season. It is one that I will give my full energy to, together with the entire club, the team and all the fans,” said Steffen Baumgart.

Steffen Baumgart was born on 5th January 1972 in Rostock. During his playing career, the striker turned out for Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga, as well as Energie Cottbus, 1. FC Magdeburg, VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Union Berlin. His path to becoming a coach was clear from an early stage. He completed his first coaching course at 17 and as a player, his A and B licences followed in Cottbus. After the end of his career, Baumgart began as an assistant coach at Germania Schöneiche. After 1. FC Magdeburg, Hansa Rostock, SSV Köpenick-Oberspree and Berliner AK, he arrived at Paderborn.

(1. FC Köln)