Coach Jakirović signs new Hull deal after perfect EPL start

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has signed a new two-year contract with the newly promoted club after guiding the Tigers to a perfect start to their return to the Premier League.

The 49-year-old’s new deal will keep him at the MKM Stadium until the summer of 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the contract by a further 12 months until the end of the 2028/29 season.

A Friday club statement on its website disclosed this.

Jakirović has overseen a remarkable transformation since taking charge in June 2025, guiding Hull from the brink of relegation in his first season in English football to Premier League promotion.

His impressive work has continued in the top flight, with Hull winning their opening two league matches without conceding a goal.

The Tigers began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium before securing another three points with a 1-0 win away to Coventry City.

360 NEWS AFRICA reports that Jakirović and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta are the only two managers among the four coaches who won their opening two Premier League matches to have also kept clean sheets in both games.

Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso and Manchester City’s Enzo Maresca also began the campaign with two victories.

Hull’s opening-day victory over Manchester United was particularly significant, as it was their first league win over the Red Devils in 52 years.

The club said Jakirović averaged 1.58 points per game during his debut Championship campaign, helping Hull secure a play-off place on the final day of the regular season after a 2-1 victory over Norwich City.

He subsequently led the Tigers past Millwall in the semi-finals before defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley.

Jakirović secured promotion with three consecutive clean sheets, becoming only the third Hull City manager to lead the club to the Premier League through the play-offs.

Reflecting on his new contract, Jakirović said: “I have felt the support from the club and our fans from the minute I arrived, so I am delighted that this journey will continue. Hull feels like my home and I’m excited for this journey to continue.

"Promotion to the Premier League is a dream come true. You have to believe in your work and we have a special group here who are sticking together as a family. We have shown in our first games of the season that we can compete at this level and be dangerous.

"We will, of course, continue to work hard and perform in a way that makes our supporters proud.”

Hull City chairman Acun Ilıcalı also expressed his delight at retaining the coach.

He said: “From the first day we met, it was clear that we had a special relationship. Everyone at the club believes that Sergej is a high-quality coach and it is a big privilege to have him here.

“He is the perfect coach for our vision and, having experienced last season together, we created some amazing moments at Wembley. I thank him for that.

“We are happy that Sergej is happy here. This is a special day for us, and we look forward to our journey continuing together in the Premier League.”

Jakirović was appointed in June 2025 and has now been rewarded with a long-term commitment after taking Hull from the threat of relegation to the top flight and then making an immediate impact on their return after a 10-year absence.