Edin Terzic confirmed as Athletic Bilbao coach through June 2028
Synopsis
Edin Terzic's appointment at Athletic Bilbao marks a calculated gamble on European pedigree. The 43-year-old arrives with a Champions League final and near-Bundesliga title to his name, but faces the Basque club's unique constraint: a squad built almost entirely on homegrown talent. His tactical flexibility and youth-development credentials may be exactly what Athletic needs to break back into Europe, but execution in La Liga's tight mid-table will be the real test.
Key Takeaways
Edin Terzic confirmed as Athletic Bilbao 's new first-team coach on a two-year contract through June 2028 .
Terzic , 43 , replaces Ernesto Valverde , who departs after 10 years across three spells at the club.
At Borussia Dortmund , Terzic led the side to the Champions League final in 2024 and nearly won the Bundesliga in 2023 .
Athletic Bilbao values Terzic's youth development experience and attacking football philosophy.
The club currently sits eighth in La Liga with four matches remaining this season.
Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday confirmed Edin Terzic as the club's new first-team coach, replacing Ernesto Valverde from the end of the season. The 43-year-old Germany-born tactician has signed a two-year contract through June 2028 and returns to a senior coaching role after a two-season hiatus following his departure from Borussia Dortmund.
Terzic's Dortmund pedigree
During his tenure at Dortmund, Terzic came agonisingly close to silverware on two fronts. In the 2022–23 season, he guided the club to the brink of the Bundesliga title, only to lose out to Bayern Munich on goal difference. The following campaign, he led Dortmund to the Champions League final, where the side fell 2–0 to Real Madrid in a heavyweight final in June 2024.
Why Athletic Bilbao chose Terzic
Athletic Club values Terzic's track record in youth development, his commitment to attacking football, and his tactical adaptability. For a club that has long depended on homegrown and regional talent, his experience nurturing young players in Dortmund's academy system proved decisive. The Basque club, one of Spain's traditional powerhouses, will officially present Terzic to supporters at the end of the current season.
Previous coaching roles
Terzic has worked across Europe's top leagues and competitions. He served as assistant coach to Slaven Bilic at Turkish giants Besiktas and later at West Ham United in the Premier League, gaining exposure to diverse tactical systems and player profiles.
Current context
Athletic Bilbao currently sits eighth in La Liga with four matches remaining in the season. Valverde, who departs after three separate spells spanning 10 years in charge, celebrated his 500th game in the dugout during Saturday's 4–2 away victory against Deportivo Alaves. Terzic will inherit a squad in mid-table and face the challenge of elevating Athletic's La Liga standing while maintaining the club's philosophy of promoting local talent.
Point of View
Not transfer budgets. If he succeeds, it redefines what's possible in La Liga's mid-tier. If he stumbles, it exposes the limits of philosophy over firepower.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edin Terzic and why is he joining Athletic Bilbao?
Edin Terzic is a 43-year-old Germany-born coach who most recently managed Borussia Dortmund. Athletic Bilbao appointed him as Ernesto Valverde's replacement on a two-year contract through June 2028. The club values his experience in youth development, tactical flexibility, and commitment to attacking football.
What did Terzic achieve at Borussia Dortmund?
At Dortmund, Terzic guided the club to the Champions League final in 2024, where it lost 2–0 to Real Madrid. In the 2022–23 season, he led Dortmund to the brink of the Bundesliga title, only to lose out to Bayern Munich on goal difference.
When will Terzic be officially presented as Athletic Bilbao's coach?
Terzic will be officially presented to fans and supporters at the end of the current season. His focus now is on completing the remaining four La Liga matches under the current setup.
What is Athletic Bilbao's current league position?
Athletic Bilbao currently sits eighth in La Liga with four matches remaining in the season. The club is aiming to improve its standing under Terzic's leadership next season.
Why did Ernesto Valverde leave Athletic Bilbao?
Valverde announced in May that he would not continue at the club after 10 years across three separate spells. He celebrated his 500th game in charge during Saturday's 4–2 away win against Deportivo Alaves before departing.
