Who can rescue Indian football? Top contenders to take over as head coach
Meanwhile, there's a growing vibe shift. Fans are no longer just frustrated-they're checked out. The system's confusing, club football is in a limbo, and the national team's only headlines lately are about losses and coaching exits. With the ISL currently on pause and the roadmap uncertain, there's a growing feeling that Indian football is stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for clarity that never quite arrives.But even in this beautiful mess, one big decision looms: Who's next in charge?Whether it's a seasoned name from Indian football or an outside tactician with fresh ideas, this call could well define Vision 2047. That's why this next head coach appointment matters. Whether it's a seasoned ISL tactician or a complete curveball from overseas, this decision isn't just about the survival of Indian football, and here are some of our picks for the role:Khalid Jamil: The people's choice?There's something poetic about Khalid Jamil being back in the reckoning. The first Indian head coach to take an ISL team (NorthEast United, no less) to the semis, Jamil knows how to work with bare-bones budgets and high-pressure situations. He's got the no-nonsense personality, the tactical grit, and a proven track record in Indian football. More importantly, he's one of the few who hasn't lost touch with the I-League and the grassroots ecosystem-which, let's face it, is where the real talent pool still lives.But would the AIFF hand over the reins to an Indian coach at this crossroads moment? Historically, they haven't. But if they're serious about structure and sustainability, Jamil isn't the worst place to start.Antonio Lopez Habas: The redemption arcadvertisementHabas reportedly applied for the India head coach job before Manolo got the nod. He didn't make the cut, so what did he do? Instead, he joined a newly formed club-Inter Kashi-won the I-League, and walked them straight into ISL. That says a lot about his hunger. He's already got two ISL titles, understands the madness that is Indian football, and commands instant respect.With two ISL titles already under his belt and a deep understanding of Indian football's chaos-friendly ecosystem, Habas brings old-school discipline and tournament nous. He might not be the most exciting option, but he's a man who gets things done-and right now, that's a rare quality.Owen Coyle: Mr. Motivation, again?Owen Coyle was recently let go by Chennaiyin FC, but his record in Indian football remains hard to ignore. From turning a struggling Jamshedpur FC side into League Shield winners in 2022 to guiding Chennaiyin to two playoff appearances, Coyle has shown he can build competitive teams from scratch.He's got charisma, man-management skills, and a pretty solid rapport with Indian players. But the question remains: is he tactically dynamic enough to lead a national project? Or is he better suited for club football, where week-to-week motivation works better than four-year roadmaps?advertisementA new face: Because why not?Let's be honest-when Igor Stimac was appointed in 2019, not many Indian fans could place him beyond a Google search. Sure, it didn't exactly go according to plan. But that doesn't mean the idea of a relatively unknown but experienced international coach should be thrown out the window.With the right scouting, planning, and long-term backing (we know, that's asking for a lot), a left-field pick could shake things up in a good way. Someone with exposure to Asian or African national team ecosystems, who knows how to work with limited resources and build structured systems from scratch. It's a risk-but at this point, what isn't?The manager alone won't fix everything, but if chosen right, he might just become the stabilising force Indian football desperately needs.Or at the very least, someone who sticks around for more than six games.- Ends
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