Former Paderborn coach Lukas Kwasniok took charge of the Billy Goats in the summer. - © IMAGO/Michael Weber IMAGEPOWER

bundesliga

Cologne part ways with head coach Lukas Kwasniok

22.03.2026

Struggling Cologne have parted ways with head coach Lukas Kwasniok, with René Wagner placed in temporary charge of the first team.

The Billy Goats scored a late equaliser to earn a 3-3 draw with local rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 27 but have only registered two league wins in the past five months.

Saturday’s result left Cologne just two points above St. Pauli in the Bundesliga’s relegation play-off place with seven rounds of fixtures left to play.

Assistant coach Frank Kaspari has also left the club.

“Lukas’ football knowledge and technical expertise are beyond question,” said Cologne's sporting director Thomas Kessler. “He has prepared the team for matches with great care and dedication.

“Despite passionate and respectable performances, there has been a clear downward trend in our progress recently. We have picked up too few points, that’s the reality. We thank [Lukas] for his work at the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Kwasniok joined Cologne from Paderborn in summer 2025, penning a three-year contract at the RheinEnergieStadion. He took charge of 29 games for the club in all competitions, winning seven.

René Wagner has been placed in interim charge of Cologne's first team. - IMAGO/Jan Huebner

His replacement, Wagner, is currently in his second spell with Cologne and has also enjoyed stints at Hamburg, Union Berlin and Paderborn.

“I will approach this role with the same commitment and dedication that I’ve shown previously,” said Wagner. “Along with the players, my fellow coaches, our staff and the support of the club as a whole, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure we remain in the Bundesliga.”