René Wagner to remain as Cologne head coach
Cologne have appointed former interim boss René Wagner as their new head coach on a permanent basis, the club has confirmed.
Wagner, who assumed the managerial reins at Cologne in March following Lukas Kwasniok's dismissal, helped steer his side to safety after they found themselves fighting relegation following a seven-game winless run prior to his interim appointment.
Claiming one win, three draws and three defeats from their final seven fixtures of the campaign, Wagner managed to guide the Billy Goats to a 14th-placed finish - a feat for which he has been awarded the job on a permanent basis, putting pen to paper on a deal which runs until 2028.
“René fits us very well because he not only understands the values of our club but lives them," said Cologne managing director Thomas Kessler. "Since he took over, he has shown that he can give direction in a difficult situation and bring people together for a shared goal.
"Looking ahead to the development of our team, we now see the chance to build something together and develop as a result," he continued. "We are convinced that René, with his manner, his clarity and his expertise, is the right head coach for the path we are on with Cologne."
Wagner himself said: “I'm very pleased with the decision and the trust from those responsible at Cologne. The fact that I am able to take on this role in the Bundesliga is something special for me."
Wagner had previously been assistant coach to Steffen Baumgart during his tenure with the club between 2021 and 2023, before returning to reprise his role - this time under Kwasniok - in Summer 2025.
Speaking on his history at Cologne, Wagner said: "Five years ago, we reached the Conference League in my first season here and, just two seasons later, had to watch on from afar as Cologne were relegated. That hurt.
"This time, we were able to stay up. That was the main goal in the last few weeks and is the basis for taking the club, together with the team, another step in the direction of becoming a stable Bundesliga club. I will do everything to make that happen."
