Gordon Herbert to Juggle Bayern Munich and Canadian National Team Coaching Roles

Gordon Herbert, the architect behind Germany’s stunning 2023 World Cup triumph, has confirmed that his future role as head coach of the Canadian national basketball team will not impact his current position at FC Bayern Munich. The 66-year-old tactician clarified that his agreement with Basketball Canada, set to commence in the summer of 2026, "neither affects my current contract with Bayern nor a possible contract extension with Bayern Munich beyond the summer of 2026."

The initial announcement from Basketball Canada on Thursday sent ripples throughout the basketball world, revealing Herbert as their new head coach from 2026 onwards. Bayern Munich, where Herbert is currently under contract until 2026, initially remained silent on the news, adding to the speculation surrounding the situation.

Herbert addressed the communication concerns in a statement released by the club. "Perhaps the communication yesterday (Thursday) could have been handled better," he conceded, acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation. However, he emphasized his unwavering dedication to his present role. "Regardless, my commitment to FC Bayern Basketball is 100 percent. I am extremely fulfilled in my job in Munich, I am shown great respect here, and I am very eager to work with this club for as long as possible."

The question of whether Herbert will extend his contract beyond 2026 remains open. The Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) confirmed that it is permissible for a coach to manage a Bundesliga team while simultaneously coaching a foreign national team. The rule explicitly prohibits the German national team coach from also coaching a club team concurrently, but there are no regulations preventing a Bundesliga coach from leading a foreign national program. This clarification paves the way for Herbert to potentially combine both roles.

Currently, Herbert is leading Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga standings. The team is considered a strong contender for the championship title in the playoffs, commencing on May 17th. In the EuroLeague, Bayern Munich fell short of reaching the quarter-finals, exiting in the Play-In games. The team also missed out on winning the DBB-Pokal in Herbert’s inaugural season with the Bavarian powerhouse.

"We still have a lot planned here," Herbert declared, signaling his ambition for continued success with Bayern Munich. He revealed that he had informed the club "some time ago" about the interest from Canada, ensuring transparency in the process. The announcement follows Bayern’s previous notification that Managing Director Marko Pesic will depart from the club at the end of December 2025 after a decade and a half of service. The convergence of these announcements has inevitably sparked discussions about the future direction of the club.

Basketball Canada’s decision to appoint Herbert underscores their ambition to elevate the national team to new heights. They are placing their faith in his proven ability to build a cohesive and successful team, hoping he can guide their squad, spearheaded by NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to podium finishes at the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. The Canadians see Herbert as the ideal leader to unlock the full potential of their talented roster and establish themselves as a dominant force in international basketball.

Herbert’s success with the German national team, culminating in the World Cup title, has significantly enhanced his reputation and made him a sought-after coach. His tactical acumen, player management skills, and ability to foster a winning culture are all attributes that appeal to Basketball Canada. The Canadian program is rich with NBA talent. Herbert’s challenge is to develop the cohesion and trust in the squad necessary to outperform perennial powerhouses.

The arrangement will require Herbert to balance the demands of both positions. Coaching a national team involves intensive periods of preparation and competition, particularly during international breaks and major tournaments. He will need to effectively manage his time and energy to ensure that both Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team receive the attention they require. It remains to be seen how Herbert will navigate the complexities of this dual role and maintain a high level of performance in both positions. However, Herbert’s long and distinguished career in coaching has likely prepared him to handle the pressure.

The situation highlights the increasing globalization of basketball and the interconnectedness of the professional and international game. Coaches are increasingly moving across borders and assuming roles with different teams and organizations. This trend reflects the growing demand for experienced and successful coaches and the recognition that coaching expertise can be transferred across different contexts.

The coming years will be a defining period for both FC Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team. All eyes will be on Herbert as he strives to achieve success in both roles. His ability to manage the demands of these positions and deliver results will be a testament to his coaching prowess and organizational skills. The future of both teams is closely intertwined with the success of their coach, and the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this unique arrangement unfolds.