Borussia Dortmund have prematurely extended their contract with U23s coach Jan Zimmermann until 30 June 2026. Zimmermann’s team set a new record at the weekend: never before have the BVB U23s earned 28 points before the winter break in the 3. Liga.

BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “Under Jan and his team, our U23s have really improved on the pitch. In the future, we want to use this team even more to give talented youngsters – especially those from our youth performance centre – early match practice in the men’s game. This will help create a development platform with a clear connection to the first team. Jan is just the right coach to achieve that goal.”

Ingo Preuss, sporting director of U23s, added: “I am really glad that we have signed the extension with Jan. He took over at the beginning of the year when the team were going through a difficult period and managed to secure their place in the 3. Liga well before the end of the season. This season, the team have overcome severe personnel issues, played a high-intensity brand of football and earned points through hard work, without neglecting the development of young players.”

When Zimmermann took over the Dortmund U23s, they were at risk of relegation, languishing in 16th place in the 3. Liga in February 2023. Under the guidance of the 44-year-old, the team managed to earn 24 points from 17 games and ended the 2022/23 season in mid-table in the 3. Liga. Zimmermann is also looking forward to the further cooperation: “I felt right at home at BVB right from day one. I came across a great team of coaches and really enjoy working with everyone. And as I see it as a privilege to come to work and have fun, it was no question for me to continue working for Borussia Dortmund.”

Zimmermann’s assistant coach Julian Koch, a former Borussia Dortmund youth player who has been back at BVB since the summer of 2022, has also extended his contract.