Stefan Horngacher will step down as head coach of the German ski jumping team following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, bringing an end to his tenure that began in 2019. The announcement, made by Horngacher himself, preempts potential disruption and allows for a smooth transition for the athletes.
Horngacher, who succeeded Werner Schuster, previously coached the Polish national team from 2016 to 2019. His leadership has yielded critically important successes for Germany, most notably team gold at the 2021 Nordic Ski World Championships in Oberstdorf and Karl Geiger’s individual victory at the 2020 Ski Flying World Championships in Planica.The decision marks the closing of a career circle for Horngacher, whose first world Championship experience came at the 1991 event in Predazzo – the same location hosting the upcoming Olympics.
“I think it’s critically important that I communicate this before the season starts, so there aren’t any critical questions during it – it’s also easier for the athletes that way,” Horngacher stated. He added, “For me, a circle closes – my first season started at the World Championships in Predazzo in 1991, and now the circle closes with the Olympic Winter Games there. after this season, it’s enough for me, at least as German national coach.”
German Sports Director Horst Hüttel indicated the organization will begin searching for a successor with a target date of May 1, 2026. Hüttel expressed a desire to retain Horngacher within the German ski jumping system, acknowledging his expertise, while also conceding the possibility of offers from other national teams.