Stefan Horngacher Era Ends: What’s Next for German Ski Jumping?

The era of Stefan Horngacher as head coach of the German ski jumping team is coming to an end. Horngacher announced he will step down following the conclusion of the current season, a decision revealed during the German Ski Association’s (DSV) outfitting event in Nuremberg on Wednesday, March 26th, 2026. While the news initially surprised DSV sport director Horst Hüttel, it allows for a planned transition before the 2026 Olympics and beyond.

Horngacher, who took the reins in 2019 succeeding compatriot Werner Schuster, leaves behind a legacy marked by both successes and challenges. His tenure saw Philipp Raimund achieve Olympic gold at the 2026 Winter Games, a high point in an otherwise difficult season for the German team. He also guided the team to a World Championship title in 2021 and Karl Geiger’s individual world title in 2020.

Horngacher Formed Raimund into an Olympic Champion

Despite a more reserved demeanor than his predecessor, Horngacher fostered a team environment where open communication was valued, even when it led to conflict. A particularly notable instance occurred with Raimund prior to the 2026 World Championships, where a significant disagreement ultimately contributed to Raimund’s breakthrough performance and subsequent Olympic victory. This ability to navigate challenging relationships and unlock athlete potential became a hallmark of his coaching style.

Horngacher’s leadership wasn’t without its hurdles. The 2025/26 season proved inconsistent for the German team, with fluctuating performances from key athletes like Karl Geiger and Andreas Wellinger. Despite these challenges, the team secured notable achievements, demonstrating the underlying strength Horngacher cultivated within the squad.

A Throughly Mixed Last Season for Horngacher

The German team’s performance this season was, as Horngacher himself acknowledged, “not quite sufficient.” The inconsistency of Geiger and Wellinger early in the season raised concerns, but Raimund’s emergence as a world-class competitor provided a significant boost. The team’s overall success under Horngacher, however, remains undeniable, with a consistent stream of World Cup victories and podium finishes.

Horngacher’s Successor: Geiger is “Satisfied”

The question of who will succeed Horngacher remains unanswered, though the DSV expects to announce a decision soon. Geiger expressed satisfaction with the selection process, stating, “I believe that will work. That will be a good thing.” Potential candidates include former Polish coach Thomas Thurnbichler, and current German B-team coach Ronny Hornschuh.

The incoming coach will face the task of maintaining Germany’s position as a leading force in ski jumping while also managing the transition to a new generation of athletes. Integrating younger talent alongside established stars like Wellinger and Geiger will be crucial for sustained success.

Horngacher himself remains open to future roles within the DSV, indicating his continued passion for the sport. He emphasized his desire to take time to consider his options after the season concludes, but affirmed that his “fever for ski jumping is still in me.” The German ski jumping program now enters a period of transition, poised to build upon the foundation laid by a coach who guided them through a period of significant achievement.