Hull City have ended their long search for a new head coach with the appointment of Sergej Jakirovic, following a complex recruitment process.
The Bosnian arrives at the MKM Stadium from Turkish side Kayserispor and will lead the Tigers into the 2025/26 Championship season.
Jakirovic Confirmed as Tigers Look to Reset
The announcement brings to a close a protracted saga that began with the sacking of Rubén Sellés on 15 May. Since then, owner Acun Ilicali and his recruitment team—Mustafa Yokes, Jared Dublin and Martin Hodge—have worked behind the scenes to secure Jakirovic’s arrival, navigating delays caused by work permit approvals, contract negotiations, and the late finish of the Turkish season.
Jakirovic, 47, recovered from a challenging exit at Dinamo Zagreb—where he won a domestic double but was dismissed following a record 9-2 Champions League defeat—to lead Kayserispor from the relegation zone to mid-table safety. His 17-game spell in Turkey yielded eight wins and 23 goals, including an eye-catching 3-3 draw with Fenerbahce, where Ilicali is vice-president.
Hull’s hierarchy were drawn to both Jakirovic’s results and his high-tempo, attacking philosophy. He becomes the first permanent appointment since Sellés and inherits a side that stayed up by the finest of margins—goal difference—after dropping from seventh to 21st in a single season.
“After a thorough and extensive recruitment process… we are delighted to secure the services of Sergej,” said Ilicali. “My dream for our club has never changed from the first day I took over, and I believe in Sergej.”
The club have also confirmed the arrival of his trusted coaching staff: Marko Salatovic, Marin Ivancic, and Andjelo Roguljic. Long-serving Hull figure Andy Dawson remains part of the setup, along with goalkeeping coach Erbil Bozkurt. An experienced English assistant is also expected to be added in the coming weeks.
Jakirovic boasts an impressive record across Europe, with spells at Maribor, Gorica, Rijeka, and Zrinjski Mostar. He won the Bosnian Premier League with Zrinjski in 2022, setting a record with 13 consecutive wins.
Writer’s View
Hull City’s faith in Sergej Jakirovic is bold. After a rollercoaster 2024/25, the club desperately needed clarity and leadership, and they’ve now got a coach with a proven ability to galvanise struggling sides. His stint at Kayserispor shows tactical flexibility and resilience, both vital qualities in the Championship.
With Ilicali prioritising entertaining football and a stronger identity, Jakirovic appears to tick all the right boxes, but then so did Selles. The timing of his arrival just about gives him a full pre-season to embed his ideas, and Hull fans will be hoping this fresh start delivers more than just survival next time out.
