Legendary Coach Jakob Vestergaard Joins Odense Handball on Three-Year Deal

Odense Handball appoints Jakob Vestergaard as their new head coach, replacing Ole Gustav Gjekstad from summer 2025.

Renowned coach Jakob Vestergaard is set to leave his current position as head coach of German team HB Ludwigsburg to join Odense Handball in the summer of 2025. Vestergaard has signed a three-year agreement with Odense, where he will replace Ole Gustav Gjekstad as head coach.

Trine Nielsen, sports director at Odense Handball, expressed her delight at securing Vestergaard's services. “Jakob comes with a lot of experience in his luggage and a superb CV, among other things he managed Bietigheim (now Ludwigsburg) to CL-silver last season. We will get a coach who really wants Odense Handball and who I am sure can continue the great work, which has been done with the team in recent seasons.”

Jakob Vestergaard boasts an impressive coaching resume, having led several prominent teams including Viborg HK, FC Midtjylland, CSM Bucuresti, Ramnicu Valcea, and the German women's national team. Now, Vestergaard is set to return to his native country, bringing his wealth of experience to Odense Handball.

Jakob Vestergaard expressed his enthusiasm for joining Odense Handball, citing the club's exciting and ambitious nature. “Odense handball is an incredibly exciting, attractive and ambitious club at the highest national and international level. They have a big hunger for success, fantastic support, and a lot of talented players. I also think, in all modesty, that I can contribute to further development at the club. After all, I have tried to stand here as an opponent several times, and it is an absolutely fantastic backdrop.”

Jakob Vestergaard boasts an impressive coaching resume, with numerous accolades to his name. During his tenure with Viborg HK from 2008-2010, Vestergaard led the team to two Danish championships, including “The Double” in the 2009/2010 season. Additionally, he won the Champions League twice during this period. Vestergaard's success continued in subsequent years, as he secured the German championship with HB Ludwigsburg last season and also won the Romanian championship.