The Unlikely Departure of Gordon Herbert: A New Era for German Basketball
The German basketball community was left stunned when Gordon Herbert, the Canadian coach who led the national team to unprecedented success, announced his departure from the Deutsche Basketball Bund (DBB). In a recent interview with Welt, Herbert revealed that he would have been interested in extending his contract, but ultimately, the two parties couldn’t come to an agreement.
Gordon Herbert, the former coach of the German national basketball team.
Herbert’s decision to leave the DBB was likely influenced by the organization’s policy of not allowing coaches to hold dual roles. Last year, Herbert had expressed his desire to continue coaching the national team while also taking on a club role. However, this was not feasible under the DBB’s current structure.
The 65-year-old coach has since joined Bayern Munich, the reigning German champions, as their new head coach. When asked about his decision to join the club, Herbert emphasized that financial considerations were not the primary factor. “Many people think I’m going to Bayern for the money, but that’s not true,” he said. “I had much higher offers, but I wanted to stay in Germany. I really enjoy working here, and I like the Germans.”
Herbert’s departure from the DBB marks the beginning of a new era for German basketball. The national team is in need of a rebuild, and Herbert believes that this process will take at least two years. With his contract set to expire in a year, Herbert felt that he didn’t have enough time to see this project through.
The German national basketball team in action.
The search for Herbert’s successor has already begun, with Spanish coach Alex Mumbru taking over the reins. However, Herbert was not involved in the selection process and was only informed of the decision on the eve of Mumbru’s official presentation.
As the German basketball community looks to the future, they will undoubtedly be grateful for Herbert’s contributions to the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire a new generation of players and coaches, and his decision to stay in Germany will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the sport.
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular in Germany.
In conclusion, Gordon Herbert’s departure from the DBB marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. As the German national team embarks on a new journey, they will do so with the knowledge that they have a strong foundation to build upon. The future of German basketball looks bright, and fans can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Gordon Herbert and the German national basketball team during their time together.