The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is currently in the process of selecting a new head coach for the Indian men's national football team, and the competition appears to be heating up. Following the departure of Manolo Marquez earlier this month, the AIFF has been diligently reviewing applications from a diverse pool of candidates. From an initial list of 170 applicants, the AIFF's technical committee has shortlisted three potential candidates. Among them, Khalid Jamil stands out as the only Indian in contention for the coveted position.
The AIFF's decision comes at a critical juncture for Indian football. The national team has faced inconsistent performances, leading to a drop in FIFA rankings to 133 as of July 2025. The new coach will not only be responsible for the team's performance in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers but also for addressing the structural challenges within Indian football. These challenges include contractual uncertainty in the domestic league (ISL), limited international exposure for youth teams, and systemic issues like age fraud.
Khalid Jamil's inclusion in the final shortlist is particularly noteworthy. As a former India international and a highly respected coach, Jamil has a proven track record in Indian football. He made history by guiding Aizawl FC to the I-League title in 2016–17, marking the first time a club from Northeast India achieved this feat. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian coach to manage an ISL team full-time. Jamil's ability to inspire teams with limited resources and his deep knowledge of the Indian football landscape make him a strong candidate for the job. His past experience includes coaching NEROCA FC, serving as interim head coach of East Bengal, and most recently, coaching Jamshedpur FC.
The other two candidates shortlisted by the AIFF are Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic. Constantine, an Anglo-Cypriot coach, has previously managed the Indian team twice, from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2015 to 2019. His familiarity with Indian football and experience in international competitions make him a strong contender. Tarkovic, on the other hand, brings international experience from his time as the head coach of Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia.
According to sources within the AIFF, Jamil's performance with Jamshedpur FC last season has made him a frontrunner for the head coach position. Another official noted that Constantine's experience cannot be discounted, suggesting that the final decision could be a close call. The AIFF is keen on making a swift appointment, considering the upcoming FIFA international match window in September and the AFC Asian Cup qualifying round games in October.
The selection process involved the AIFF's technical committee reviewing the 170 applications and shortlisting candidates in consultation with the national team director and technical director. Inputs from former coaches Bimal Ghosh and Armando Colaco were also considered. The final decision will be made by the AIFF executive committee.
The appointment of the new head coach is seen as a crucial step for the future of Indian football. The chosen candidate will need to be a tactician, a leader, and a reformer, capable of guiding the team towards long-term competitiveness.
