Jan Haller, a former player for Germany’s wheelchair basketball national team, is transitioning to the role of national coach after a successful playing career, including a bronze medal at the Paralympics in Paris. Set to officially start on June 1, he embraces the challenge of coaching despite his limited experience. Haller aims to lead the team towards upcoming competitions, including the European Championship and World Cup qualification, while also reflecting on his inspiring journey in basketball.
Jan Haller Transitions from Player to National Coach
After an impressive 15-year career as a player for the German wheelchair basketball national team, Jan Haller from Hanover is stepping into a new chapter as the national coach. This exciting transition comes on the heels of a memorable bronze medal achievement at the Paralympics in Paris, where Haller celebrated a pivotal victory against Canada. The joyous moments of that event remain vivid, as he can relive the glory through countless images and videos. Following this pinnacle of success, the 36-year-old decided to retire from his role as a national player.
Embracing the Challenge Ahead
With the departure of successful coach Michael Engel last November, the team sought an internal solution, leading to Haller taking on this significant responsibility. Starting June 1, he will officially begin his tenure as the new national coach, expressing a mix of excitement and the weight of responsibility that comes with the position. “This is definitely the biggest challenge in my sporting career,” Haller remarked. Despite being relatively inexperienced in coaching, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his years as a player, having participated in four Paralympics and over 300 international matches, which he believes will aid him in adapting to his new role.
Haller finds the shift from being a teammate to a coach to be “super exciting.” He has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities as he captained the national team for seven years, showcasing his empathetic understanding of his players, whether they were stars or substitutes. His coaching journey began in 2019 when he started mentoring young talents at his club, Hannover United. He acknowledges that stepping into the highest coaching position in German wheelchair basketball is a significant leap, one he is ready to embrace.
Looking ahead, Haller is focused on what’s next for the team. “Paris is now history. We need to set aside any feelings of satisfaction from that success and concentrate on the European Championship in Sarajevo this October,” he said. He understands that the road ahead will be challenging, especially with World Cup qualification for 2026 in Canada on the horizon. “We have to be fully present every day to achieve this qualification, and that will not be easy,” he added, emphasizing the need for dedication and hard work.
Jan Haller’s journey in basketball began at the age of twelve when he was inspired by Dirk Nowitzki, the greatest German basketball player. After witnessing Nowitzki in an international match against Turkey in 2001, he joined ASV Bonn and climbed the ranks to become a Bundesliga and national player. Over the years, he achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the German Championship and Cup five times each, as well as two Champions League titles, European Championship bronze, and Paralympic bronze. Currently, Haller plays for Hannover United and plans to retire from playing at the end of the season to fully dedicate himself to his new role as national coach.
As the Paralympics commence, Jan Haller looks forward to guiding his team through this new phase, alongside first-time Paralympian Alex Budde and returning athletes Tobi Hell and Jan Sadler. Coach Catherine Bader also highlights the growing recognition of para-sport in society today, with around 150 students with disabilities participating, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the games.