Khalid Jamil became the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team on Friday. He is the first Indian to hold the post since Savio Medeira in 2012. The 48-year-old Mumbai native currently manages Jamshedpur FC in the ISL. He beat foreign contenders Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic to land the job.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed his appointment after an executive committee meeting. The Technical Committee, led by former striker IM Vijayan, strongly recommended Jamil.
Jamil shot to fame in 2016–17 when he led Aizawl FC to a surprise I-League title — a rare feat given their limited ₹2 crore budget and unfancied squad. He later guided NorthEast United FC (2020–21) and Jamshedpur FC (2024–25) to ISL playoffs, earning widespread respect for his tactical ability.
An AFC Pro License holder, Jamil has twice been named AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year (2023–24 and 2024–25).
Jamil replaces Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with the AIFF last month. Unlike Marquez, who had a dual role with FC Goa, Jamil will serve full-time as national head coach. His first major assignment will be the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29. He will then lead India in crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore on October 9 and 14, with qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup at stake. India’s recent form, including a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong, has raised concerns.
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Jamil’s appointment comes amid a growing call to give homegrown coaches a fair shot. Apart from Vijayan, footballing figures like Shabbir Ali, Armando Colaco, and Climax Lawrence supported Jamil. The AIFF received 170 applications, including foreign names like Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell, but ultimately chose to trust Indian experience.
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