Chris Coleman Set to Arrive as Bangladesh’s New Coach

Bangladesh’s search for a new national football team head coach may reach its conclusion today, with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) expected to announce its preferred candidate after weeks of speculation.

BFF president Tabith Awal had previously indicated that the federation aimed to finalise an agreement with a new coach by 15 May. As a result, anticipation has grown over who will take charge of the national side, including players such as Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome, ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming international commitments.

Brazilian coach Rosario Micale, who had applied for the Bangladesh position, has reportedly withdrawn his candidacy. According to sources, delays in the BFF’s appointment process contributed to his decision to step away from consideration.

Micale had reportedly requested a monthly salary of 30,000 US dollars as part of negotiations. He is currently serving as head coach of Londrina EC, a club competing in Brazil’s second division.

With Micale no longer in contention, attention has shifted towards British coach Chris Coleman. Sources suggest that Coleman has emerged as the leading candidate for the Bangladesh role, although no official confirmation has yet been provided by the BFF or other verified sources.

Coleman is one of the more recognisable names linked with the vacancy. The Welsh coach holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has also received the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

He managed the Wales national team from 2012 to 2017, a period regarded as the most successful in the country’s modern football history. His most notable achievement came at UEFA Euro 2016, where he guided Wales to the semi-finals.

That campaign marked Wales’ first appearance in a major international tournament in 58 years. Under Coleman’s management, the team reached as high as eighth in the FIFA world rankings.

During his time with Wales, Coleman built his side around key players including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Tactically, his teams often operated in either a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 system, emphasising defensive organisation, compact shape, and quick transitional play.

Coleman has also been credited for his leadership and player management. Following the death of former Wales manager Gary Speed, he took charge of a squad dealing with significant emotional and structural challenges. Under his leadership, Wales adopted the “Together Stronger” identity, which became closely associated with the team’s resurgence.

Although his later club managerial spells at Coventry City and Sunderland proved more challenging, Coleman has generally been viewed as more effective in national team or federation-based environments.

The BFF is yet to formally announce its decision. However, with the federation targeting completion of the appointment process before mid-May, clarity on Bangladesh’s next head coach is expected soon.