List of Jamshedpur FC coaches and their performance in ISL

Owen Coyle won the historic ISL Shield with the Red Miners in the 2021-22 season.

Jamshedpur FC have established themselves as a unique and dynamic entity in the Indian Super League (ISL), consistently drawing attention for its professional approach both on and off the pitch. Despite its relatively short history, the club have witnessed a revolving door of coaches, with only Owen Coyle breaking the pattern of short stints. Coyle’s exceptional two-year tenure culminated in an ISL Shield win and the club’s maiden league title, marking the pinnacle of Jamshedpur FC’s achievements.

However, for most of their history, the team has grappled with the challenge of retaining coaches for more than a single season, reflecting a pattern that has shaped their identity in the league. From their inaugural coach Steve Coppell, who brought his wealth of experience and pragmatic style to the club, to the most recent tacticians like Aidy Boothroyd and Scott Cooper, Jamshedpur FC have experimented with diverse managerial philosophies. While some coaches have delivered flashes of brilliance and tactical ingenuity, others have struggled to adapt to the demands of Indian football.

This constant turnover has brought both opportunities and challenges, shaping the team’s evolution in distinctive ways. This article delves into the list of all coaches who have led Jamshedpur FC since their inception in the ISL, reflecting on their contributions, tactical approaches, and the impact they’ve had on the club’s legacy. From pioneers like Coppell to trailblazers like Coyle, every manager has left a mark, for better or worse, on Jamshedpur FC’s journey.

As we explore their tenures, we aim to uncover the highs and lows that have defined Jamshedpur’s coaching history, offering a comprehensive look at the men who have been at the helm of one of ISL’s most ambitious clubs.

Steve Coppell (14 July 2017 – 31 May 2018)

Steve Coppell, a Manchester United legend and a seasoned coach with a rich managerial history at clubs like Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Brentford, holds the distinction of being Jamshedpur FC’s inaugural head coach during the 2017-18 Indian Super League season. Coppell, who also represented England at the FIFA World Cup, brought his wealth of experience to Indian football, having already made his mark with Kerala Blasters FC by guiding them to the ISL finals in the previous season. His arrival at Jamshedpur FC signalled a strong start for the newly formed club, setting high expectations from the outset.

Under Coppell’s guidance, Jamshedpur FC enjoyed a commendable debut season, narrowly missing out on a semi-final berth. This achievement was especially remarkable given the challenges of building a cohesive team from scratch. Coppell instilled a disciplined, defensively sound approach in the squad, which featured players like Wellington Priori, the dependable captain Tiri, and the versatile André Bikey. Despite being considered an average side on paper, Coppell’s tactical acumen and ability to maximize his players’ potential helped Jamshedpur establish themselves as a competitive force in their maiden campaign.

Total matches – 20

Matches Won – 08

Matches Drawn – 05

Matches Lost – 07

Average points per game – 1.45

Best finish – 5th

Worst finish – 5th

Average finish – 5th

Best signing – Tiri

Biggest signing – Andre Bikey

Worst signing – Sameehg Doutie

Best performing foreigner – Wellington Priori

Best performing Indian – Subrata Paul

Cesar Ferrando (23 July 2018 – 31 May 2019)

César Ferrando, a Spanish footballing genius with a distinguished playing career at clubs such as Valencia, Salamanca, and Alzira, brought his wealth of experience and tactical expertise to Jamshedpur FC during the 2018-19 Indian Super League season. Following his retirement as a player, Ferrando transitioned into management, leading prestigious clubs like Atlético Madrid, Valencia, and Albacete. Before venturing into Indian football, he also tested his managerial acumen in Malaysia’s top-tier league, showcasing his adaptability and global approach to the game.

Ferrando’s appointment came during Jamshedpur FC’s strategic partnership with Atlético Madrid, a collaboration that significantly influenced the team’s Spanish-centric philosophy. The club, under his stewardship, welcomed an influx of Spanish talent, aligning with their vision to instil a technical and possession-based style of play. Players like Sergio Cidoncha, Pablo Morgado, and Carlos Calvo were key recruits during Ferrando’s tenure, bringing a distinct flair to the squad.

Total matches – 20

Matches Won – 06

Matches Drawn – 10

Matches Lost – 04

Average points per game – 1.40

Best finish – 5th

Worst finish – 5th

Average finish – 5th

Best signing – Sergio Cidoncha

Biggest signing – Tim Cahill

Worst signing – Pablo Morgado

Best performing foreigner – Carlos Calvo

Best performing Indian – Soosairaj Michael

Antonio Iriondo (26 July 2019 – 31 May 2020)

Antonio Iriondo, Jamshedpur FC’s third coach in as many seasons of the Indian Super League, brought with him a wealth of managerial experience and a unique footballing philosophy. Born in Moscow, then part of the Soviet Union, Iriondo’s early career saw him playing for clubs such as Moscardo, Alcorcón, and Tomelloso before he transitioned into coaching. His managerial journey spanned various Spanish clubs, including Rayo Vallecano, Majadahonda, CD San Fernando, and SS Reyes, where he honed his reputation as a tactician who prioritized possession-based football and technical finesse.

Iriondo’s appointment as Jamshedpur FC’s head coach for the 2019-20 season was met with considerable anticipation. The club hoped his experience would guide them to their first-ever semi-final appearance. However, his stint turned out to be a disappointment as the team struggled to find consistency and cohesion on the pitch. Despite glimpses of his philosophy taking shape, the results failed to follow, culminating in an underwhelming 8th-place finish.

Total matches – 18

Matches Won – 04

Matches Drawn – 06

Matches Lost – 08

Average points per game – 1.00

Best finish – 8th

Worst finish – 8th

Average finish – 8th

Best signing – Sergio Castel

Biggest signing – Piti Medina Luna

Worst signing – David Grande

Best performing foreigner – Sergio Castel

Best performing Indian – Farukh Choudhary

Owen Coyle (7 August 2020 – 22 March 2022)

Owen Coyle, the legendary Scottish-English manager, is widely regarded as one of the transformative figures in Indian football. Known for his stints with renowned clubs such as Burnley, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and Houston Dynamo, Coyle’s ability to inspire underperforming teams became his hallmark. His Indian football journey began dramatically when he took over a struggling Chennaiyin FC mid-season in the Indian Super League, following the dismissal of John Gregory. Remarkably, he turned the club’s fortunes around, guiding them from the bottom of the table to an incredible final appearance in the 2019-20 season.

Coyle’s connection with Jamshedpur FC began a year later when the club offered him a contract, entrusting him to replicate his magic. In his two-year tenure, he did just that, scripting an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history. Under his leadership, Jamshedpur FC played an aggressive and cohesive brand of football, culminating in their maiden ISL Shield victory during the 2021-22 season. This triumph not only made them champions of India but also solidified Coyle’s legacy as a master tactician capable of elevating teams to new heights.

Total matches – 42

Matches Won – 20

Matches Drawn – 11

Matches Lost – 11

Average points per game – 1.69

Best finish – 1st (ISL Shield winners)

Worst finish – 6th

Average finish – 4th

Best signing – Nerijus Valskis

Biggest signing – Peter Hartley

Worst signing – Nicolas Fitzgerald

Best performing foreigner – Greg Stewart

Best performing Indian – Ritwik Das

Aidy Boothroyd (10 July 2022 – 31 May 2023)

Aidy Boothroyd, a manager with a commendable track record in European football, brought high expectations when he joined Jamshedpur FC after their historic ISL Shield-winning campaign. Known for his success with the English U-21 squad, which won the Toulon Tournament in 2018, and his role in guiding Watford to promotion through the Championship play-offs in 2006, Boothroyd arrived with a reputation for cultivating young talent and achieving results under pressure. However, his stint in Indian football proved to be a stark contrast to his prior achievements.

Boothroyd’s tenure with Jamshedpur FC was marked by his struggle to adapt to the unique dynamics of the Indian football ecosystem. Despite inheriting a team with potential, the results fell short of expectations. Under his leadership, Jamshedpur FC endured a lacklustre season, finishing in the second-to-last position, just above NorthEast United FC in the standings. The team’s performances lacked cohesion, and Boothroyd was unable to replicate the tactical effectiveness that had defined his career in Europe.

Total matches – 24

Matches Won – 08

Matches Drawn – 04

Matches Lost – 12

Average points per game – 1.17

Best finish – 10th

Worst finish – 10th

Average finish – 10th

Best signing – Rafael Crivellaro

Biggest signing – Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Worst signing – Harry Sawyer

Best performing foreigner – Daniel Chima Chukwu

Best performing Indian – Boris Singh

Scott Cooper (14 July 2023 – 29 December 2023)

Scott Cooper remains a notable figure in Jamshedpur FC’s managerial history, not for his successes but for being the only coach to part ways with the club mid-season. The English manager, with an impressive resume that includes stints with teams like Anguilla, Buriram United, and the Philippines national team, arrived at Jamshedpur FC with high hopes and expectations. His experience of coaching teams at the AFC Asian Champions League level further heightened anticipation for a transformative tenure at the club.

However, Cooper’s time with Jamshedpur FC was brief and far from the turnaround the team had envisioned. His tenure saw the club securing just two victories, both against the same opponent, Hyderabad FC, in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign. After just five months in charge, Jamshedpur FC and Scott Cooper mutually decided to part ways, marking a rare mid-season managerial change in the club’s history. While the move was aimed at bringing a fresh perspective to the team, it also highlighted the challenges Cooper faced in adapting to the demands of the Indian Super League and delivering on the club’s ambitions.

Total matches – 12

Matches Won – 02

Matches Drawn – 03

Matches Lost – 07

Average points per game – 0.75

Best finish – N.A.

Worst finish – N.A.

Average finish – N.A.

Best signing – Rei Tachikawa

Biggest signing – Alen Stevanovic

Worst signing – Steve Ambri

Best performing foreigner – Jeremy Manzorro

Best performing Indian – Sanan Mohammad

Khalid Jamil (31 December 2023 – present)

Khalid Jamil’s appointment as the head coach of Jamshedpur FC came at a pivotal moment, following the mid-season departure of Scott Cooper. Known as the “Miracle Man” of Indian football for his stunning achievement in guiding Aizawl FC to an unexpected I-League championship in the 2016-17 season, Jamil’s reputation preceded him. Having coached several top clubs in India, including East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and NorthEast United FC, Jamil brought with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for transforming teams, often against the odds.

Despite not achieving a top-six finish, Jamil’s efforts were enough for Jamshedpur FC to offer him a contract extension, a decision that demonstrated the club’s belief in his vision. As the new season of the Indian Super League began, Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC carried the momentum from the previous campaign into their performances, showing promising signs of improvement. With his steady leadership and tactical prowess, the team remains poised to achieve greater things, as Jamil continues to refine and evolve the squad’s capabilities. His journey at Jamshedpur FC marks a new chapter, with optimism surrounding the team’s future under his stewardship.

Total matches – 28

Matches Won – 14

Matches Drawn – 03

Matches Lost – 11

Average points per game – 1.61

Best finish – 4th (currently)

Worst finish – 11th

Average finish – N.A.

Best signing – Javi Hernandez

Biggest signing – Jordan Murray

Worst signing – Alen Stevanovic

Best performing foreigner – Rei Tachikawa

Best performing Indian – Imran Khan

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