Odisha FC appoint T.G. Purushothaman as head coach for ISL 2025–26

Former Kerala Blasters interim coach handed the responsibility of steadying Odisha’s rebuild

Odisha FC have completed the signing of T.G. Purushothaman as their new head coach ahead of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season, marking a significant step in the club’s delayed pre-season planning.

The development comes on the same day Kerala Blasters FC officially confirmed that they have mutually parted ways with Purushothaman, who had been part of the club’s coaching setup since 2021.

Kerala Blasters confirm Purushothaman’s departure

In an official statement released on social media, Kerala Blasters acknowledged Purushothaman’s contribution across multiple levels of the club.

“The Blasters would like to confirm the departure of Assistant Coach, T.G. Purushothaman as a result of a mutual agreement between the two parties. From shaping talent in the reserves to contributing at the first-team level, your commitment, professionalism, and deep understanding of the club have left a lasting mark. Thank you, Puru, and all the best!”

Purushothaman’s stock rose sharply during the ISL 2024–25 season when he took charge as Interim Head Coach alongside Tomasz Tchórz following the exit of Mikael Stahre. His calm leadership helped stabilise the team during a turbulent phase and earned him admiration across the league.

Importantly, Purushothaman holds an AFC Pro License, making him eligible to operate from the touchline, an increasingly decisive factor for ISL clubs exploring Indian head-coach options.

Odisha FC finally begin preparations for ISL 2025–26

Odisha FC have been among the last ISL clubs to formally begin preparations for the upcoming season, which is scheduled to kick off on 14 February. The club recently created a WhatsApp group for players and informed them about internal plans, including salary structures and season timelines.

Appointing a head coach now signals the first concrete step in Odisha FC’s rebuild, following a difficult campaign that left the club searching for stability and direction.

Purushothaman is expected to face a challenging season, with limited preparation time and the task of reshaping both the squad and the club’s on-field identity.

Purushothaman’s rise has been gradual and deeply rooted in Kerala’s football ecosystem. A former goalkeeper who represented Mahindra United and Viva Kerala, he transitioned into coaching with a clear emphasis on youth development and tactical structure.

His work with FC Kerala and the Kerala Blasters Reserves helped polish several players who are now regulars in the ISL setup. He was also part of Kerala’s Santosh Trophy-winning coaching staff as an assistant.

During his interim spell with the Blasters’ first team, Purushothaman delivered landmark results, including ending the club’s long-standing winless run away at Chennaiyin FC. More notably, he showed rare confidence in Indian youngsters, handing meaningful minutes to players like Korou Singh and Vibin Mohanan in high-pressure fixtures.

Rather than relying on direct football, his teams prioritise ball progression through midfield, positional discipline, and receiving between the lines, clear indicators of a modern coaching philosophy.

A new wave of Indian coaches in ISL

Purushothaman’s appointment further underlines the growing trust in Indian coaches within the ISL ecosystem. Alongside Clifford Miranda, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Renedy Singh, he will be among four Indian head coaches leading ISL clubs at the start of the 2025–26 season.

With uncertainty surrounding several foreign coaches, more Indian tacticians could be handed opportunities as the season progresses.

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