Wagner's replacement announced: Hübner assumes assistant role under Nagelsmann
Germany Announces New Assistant Coach for National Team
Frankfurt - Benjamin Hübner, a former professional footballer with FC Ingolstadt and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, is set to join the German national team as an assistant coach under Julian Nagelsmann. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed this personnel decision on May 24, 2025.
Hübner, aged 35, signed a three-year contract, mirroring Nagelsmann's term. His previous coaching stints include managing Hoffenheim's U19 team and serving as an assistant coach for the first team.
"Benni was always a true team player who burned for the success of the team and put his own interests aside," praised Nagelsmann, who worked with Hübner for three years at Hoffenheim.
The appointment becomes necessary due to Sandro Wagner's departure from the DFB team, one year before his contract expires. Wagner, a former striker, is seeking a head coaching position and has been linked to FC Augsburg and RB Leipzig.
Hübner, a football family member with a professional father and brothers, comes to the national team with strategic thinking and leadership qualities. He will assume Wagner's responsibilities in the sports aspect.
The new assistant coach will begin his role on July 1, with his initial match alongside Nagelsmann scheduled for September 4 in Bratislava against Slovakia, marking the start of the World Cup qualifiers.
Following the match against Northern Ireland in Cologne on September 7, Hübner will return to his former playground in Sinsheim, where the third opponent in the World Cup qualifying round, Luxembourg, awaits on October 10.
The German team will participate in the Final Four of the Nations League, with the semifinal against Portugal in Munich scheduled for June 4, followed by the final or the third-place game against Spain or France on June 8, also in the Allianz Arena. Wagner will be with the team for these matches.
Assistant coaches Mads Buttgereit for set pieces and Andreas Kronenberg, responsible for the goalkeepers, will continue to work alongside Nagelsmann and Hübner.
Sources:1. dpa, May 24, 20252. Bernd Holzenbein, Spiegel, May 24, 20253. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, press release, undated (originally dated December 9, 2022, and January 22, 2024)
Benjamin Hübner, the new assistant coach for the German national team, brings expertise from his coaching experience in European-leagues, particularly with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, where he also played professionally. His appointment comes at an opportune time, given the departure of Sandro Wagner, who is pursuing a head coaching position in premier-league clubs.
