The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is currently evaluating candidates for the head coach position of the Indian men's national football team, and the list includes some prominent names from both international and domestic football. The AIFF's search was prompted by the departure of Igor Štimac in June, following a series of disappointing performances.
This year, the AIFF received 170 applications, a notable decrease from the 291 applications received last year. Despite the smaller pool, the list boasts several high-profile coaches with experience at top levels.
Among the international contenders, Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell, both former Liverpool stars, have emerged as potential candidates. Fowler has prior experience in the Indian Super League (ISL) with East Bengal and Brisbane Roar and is known for his attacking football philosophy. Kewell, currently part of Celtic's backroom staff, brings European experience and tactical knowledge to the table.
Stephen Constantine, who has managed the Indian national team for the most matches (73) across two stints, has also applied for the position. Constantine last coached East Bengal in India during the 2022-23 season. During his previous tenures with the national team, Constantine led India to four trophy wins: the LG Cup (2002), SAFF Cup (2015), Tri-Nation Series (2017), and Intercontinental Cup (2018). Under his guidance, India's FIFA ranking improved significantly, climbing from 173rd to 97th.
Other international applicants include Caio Zanardi, former coach of Brazil's U-17 team; Jordi Vinyals, former head of FC Barcelona's reserves; Roel Coumans, who was part of Australia's coaching staff at the 2018 FIFA World Cup; Aritz Lopez Garai, currently managing Mauritania; and Peter Segrt, who has coached Afghanistan, Maldives, and Tajikistan.
Several coaches with significant experience in Indian football are also in contention. Antonio López Habas and Sergio Lobera, both Spanish coaches and former ISL champions, have applied.
Among the Indian coaches, Khalid Jamil, Sanjoy Sen, and Santosh Kashyap are considered leading candidates. Other Indian hopefuls include Staikos Vergetis, I-League winner with Punjab FC. Andrey Chernyshov, former Mohammedan Sporting coach, has expressed his willingness to include local specialists in his coaching staff.
The AIFF will now review the applications and create a shortlist. The new coach will be tasked with improving the national team's performance and increasing their chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
