2. Bundesliga
Following a lengthy spell of negotiations, Hannover have handed the managerial reins to former Magdeburg head coach Christian Titz, who takes charge after André Breitenreiter was dismissed just before the summer break.
With the head coach position at Hannover something of a revolving door of late, following the dismissals of both former H96 gaffers Stefan Leitl and Breitenreiter last season, many at the club will be delighted with Titz's appointment. The 54-year-old arrives at the Lower-Saxony side off the back of a hugely impressive campaign with Magdeburg last time out, which saw his side mount a serious promotion push, finishing in fifth - just five points off the play-off spot.
"Christian Titz has more than proven in recent years that he can improve both teams and individual players, develop them and lead them through a successful season," explained Hannover sporting director Ralf Becker. "We are convinced that Christian, with his character, his approach and his coaching style, will be a very good fit for Hannover."
Watch: Magdeburg convincingly beat champions Cologne 3-0
An experienced coach who got into the profession early after his playing career was cut short due to injury, Titz enjoyed fruitful spells at HSV's youth squads and at the helm of Rot-Weiss Essen before joining Magdeburg in February 2021.
There, he oversaw 168 games, winning 76, drawing 38, and losing 54 as he steered the Blues to a 3. Liga title at the end of the 2021/22 campaign and managed to keep them in the Bundesliga 2 for the next three seasons. An attacking-minded coach, his Magdeburg side boasted the joint-second highest offensive record in the league last campaign, scoring 64 goals in a 34-game season.
"I am grateful that I have been given the trust and responsibility to take over as coach at Hannover 96. Now I'm very excited to meet the team and the people around it, and I'm looking forward to the getting to know the city and the fans of the club, whom we want to get involved and take with us on this journey together from the very beginning," said Titz on his appointment.
In addition to Titz, the former Magdeburg boss' assistant coach André Kilian, who has been with him since his time at HSV, will also be joining him in Lower Saxony.
Now entering their sixth successive season in the Bundesliga 2, Hannover fans will be chomping at the bit to see whether their new manager will be the one to steer them back to the dizzying heights of the Bundesliga when the 2025/26 campaign kicks off on the weekend of 1-3 August.