The AIFF has terminated Igor Stimac’s contract as head coach of the Indian men’s football team following poor performances in the AFC Asian Cup and early elimination from FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. Stimac’s contract extension was contingent on India reaching the third round of Asian qualifiers, which would have made him the longest-serving foreign manager in Indian football. However, India’s World Cup hopes ended with a loss to Qatar, and now the hunt is on for his replacement.
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Time for a New Era
For nearly two decades, the AIFF has favoured foreign coaches, with only two Indian coaches, Armando Colaco and Savio Medeira, given brief opportunities. With the retirement of Sunil Chhetri and the departure of the long-serving Stimac, 2024 marks a watershed opportunity for a fresh chapter in Indian football.
Tactics and personality will be the non-negotiables for any incoming head coach. Replacing the goals and leadership of a 94-goal generational striker and legend is not going to be easy. With ready-made central striking options limited, a collective style of play and a team identity built around composure and bravery will be crucial to rebooting the national team.
A bold choice of a homegrown manager could significantly change the trajectory of Indian football and implement a fresh organic succession plan for the national team’s development. Faced with a choice between proven international coaches for the short-term or promising up-and-coming Indian managers for a longer tenure, here are the leading candidates for the AIFF.
Indian Head Coaches
1. Khalid Jamil
Khalid Jamil is the outstanding candidate to succeed Stimac. His journey began in 2009 with Mumbai FC in the I-League, where he demonstrated his ability to keep the club competitive despite financial constraints. Over seven seasons, Jamil’s tactical acumen and pragmatic approach helped Mumbai FC maintain its top-flight status, laying the foundation for his future successes. The pinnacle of Jamil’s career came in the 2016-17 season when he led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title. This achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also represented a significant moment for Northeast Indian football. Jamil’s success with Aizawl FC showcased his ability to nurture talent and build cohesive teams capable of competing at the highest level.
Jamil’s entry into the Indian Super League (ISL) further cemented his status as a groundbreaking manager. Initially joining NorthEast United as Head of Academy, he later assumed the role of interim head coach. Under his guidance, the team embarked on a remarkable 10-game unbeaten streak, securing a playoff spot. This accomplishment made Jamil the first Indian manager to reach the ISL semi-finals, breaking new ground in a league often dominated by foreign coaches.
Throughout his career, Jamil has consistently improved the performance of Indian players, earning a reputation for player development. His coaching philosophy is characterized by a pragmatic approach, typically employing a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes defensive stability. This tactical setup often transitions to a 5-3-2 when the team is out of possession, demonstrating Jamil’s adaptability and focus on strategic defensive play. Jamil’s managerial statistics reflect his strong defensive nous and his attacking efficiency, with 104 wins, 87 draws, 91 losses and 416 goals scored in 282 matches.
While Jamil’s success with underdog teams is undeniable, questions remain about his ability to manage high-expectation environments. His style may be particularly suited to building resilient, competitive squads from limited resources, but it remains to be seen how this approach would translate to teams aiming for consistent dominance.
2. Mahesh Gawli
Igor Stimac’s deputy in the Indian dressing room, Mahesh Gawli is a strong contender to replace him as the national team’s head coach. With his extensive knowledge of the current squad and valuable experience managing the U-20s since October 2022, Gawli possesses unique insights into emerging talent, facilitating a smooth transition of promising youngsters into the senior team. While his head coaching experience is limited, his ability to unite the dressing room is a notable strength.
Gawli’s appointment would represent a blend of familiarity and continuity with a fresh perspective. His calm demeanour, contrasting with Stimac’s intensity, has earned him respect from players, while his tactical acumen was evident during the SAFF Championship when he guided India to victories over Kuwait and Lebanon in Stimac’s absence. His preferred 4-3-3 formation emphasizes building play from the back and capitalizing on aerial strengths. This approach, combined with his influence on younger players, could tilt the pendulum in his favour.
3. Clifford Miranda
Clifford Miranda’s trajectory in Indian football coaching exemplifies the model pathway of organic development within the national system.
Miranda’s coaching career began with FC Goa’s youth side, where he clinched the Goa Professional League title in his inaugural season. This success propelled him to the senior team as an assistant coach to Sergio Lobera, whom he would eventually succeed as an interim head coach position. Under Miranda’s guidance, FC Goa achieved historic milestones, securing the ISL title and becoming India’s first club to qualify for the AFC Champions League. His subsequent tenure with Odisha FC yielded the club’s maiden major trophy, the Super Cup, earning him the AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year 2023 accolade.
Tactically, Miranda favours a 4-4-2 formation featuring a double pivot, emphasizing fluid wide play and spatial control in all phases of possession. His extensive experience with youth development, including his current role as the U-23 national team coach, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of India’s football landscape, from grassroots to professional levels.
4. Derrick Pereira
Former Indian national team midfielder Derrick Pereira has transitioned from player to coach with notable success. Known for his tactical intelligence rather than physical dominance, Pereira’s cerebral approach to football has served him well in his managerial career.
At Salgaocar FC, Pereira demonstrated his adaptability by implementing a Dutch-inspired possessional system. This tactical shift nearly resulted in a league title, with the team falling short only to Bengaluru FC. In 2017, he joined FC Goa, initially overseeing youth development and assisting the first team, before evolving to the role of technical director, reflecting the club’s confidence in his expertise.
Pereira’s journey from national team player to respected coach and director positions him as a strong candidate for long-term management roles. His comprehensive understanding of football operations, from nurturing young talent to shaping overall club strategy, could serve him well in dealing with the AIFF and the Indian football team structure.
5. Bibiano Fernandes
Bibiano Fernandes has emerged as a notable figure in Indian football coaching, particularly in youth development.
His tenure with India’s youth teams has been marked by significant achievements, including victories in the SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017 and 2019. Under his guidance, the U-16 team reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, demonstrating India’s growing competitiveness at the continental level. Currently at the helm of Bengaluru FC’s B side, his expertise in nurturing young talent positions him as a potential asset for the future of Indian football.
Fernandes’ approach favours possession-based play, aligning with modern football trends. However, a lack of top-level management experience may deter the AIFF and potentially even undermine him in a senior dressing-room environment. While his familiarity with India’s emerging talent is a strong asset, perhaps this is a step too far too soon.
Foreign Head Coaches
1. Antonio Habas
When Mohun Bagan were struggling mid-season and decided to bring back former head coach Antonio Habas, many scoffed. How Habas proved them wrong. Instantly transforming the side with his man-management tactics, he hauled his side to their first ISL League Shield and a heartbreaking loss in the ISL Final. At 67, the experienced coach has since left the club, citing health issues and imminent retirement. Given his successful portfolio and winning history, the AIFF can coax a few more years out of their man.
2. Manolo Marquez
Ever since he guided an underdog Hyderabad FC to the ISL title, Manolo Marquez has provided the Indian national team with a regular stream of freshly uncovered talent. In the past, he has been namechecked by Stimac as a potential successor. His golden touch with the next generation could prove vital in growing Indian football over the next decade.
3. Ashley Westwood
If replacing Stimac is a challenge, the AIFF can do worse than approaching the man who beat him. Enter Ashley Westwood, the incumbent head coach of a limited Afghanistan squad which beat India in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign. Westwood’s earlier successes with Bengaluru FC have never been forgotten by the loyal fans; his feats with the Afghanistan team have again made him the flavour of the month, even though his pragmatic style may not be everyone’s flavour. Tempt him away with a higher salary and a far deeper talent pool, and the underdog fighting spirit could just transform the Indian team.
