Jag Bal becomes Head Coach of the Berlin Thunder again. The Canadian, who already held this position in 2021, has signed a three-year contract.

The team from the German capital is therefore responding to the departure of Dean Cokinos. The American was only introduced as the new head coach at the beginning of December 2024. Just five weeks after taking up his new position, he resigned for personal reasons in order to return to his home country. He will continue to work with the Thunder there as a contact person.

Now Bal is taking over again. Before his time with the Thunder in 2021, the 40-year-old coached with the Dresden Monarchs in Germany as well as in Austria, Croatia and Italy.

Big goals in Berlin

“Jag is not only an outstanding coach, but also a real asset to our team and our entire Thunder family,” says a statement from the team. And further: “With his expertise, passion and tireless commitment, he will help us reach new heights and pursue our common goal: To make Berlin Thunder even stronger and celebrate great successes.”

During his season with the Thunder, the team showed great potential. Nevertheless, they parted ways. Bal became defensive coordinator at the Raiders Tirol. He returned to Berlin in 2023 to became defensive coordinator for the German Football League team Berlin Rebels. 

He took over the same position with the Cologne Centurions in 2024. After the resignation of Head Coach Gregg Brandon, Bal even stepped in as Head Coach of the ELF team in the middle of the season.

New challenges for Thunder

The experienced coach is facing significant changes at Thunder. After a disappointing season in which the Berliners missed the playoffs again, several players left the team. Among them: three-time Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Kitchens. 

In addition, strong opponents await Bal and his new Thunder in the new North Division with the Hamburg Sea Devils, newcomer Nordic Storm and champion Rhein Fire.

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