Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has signed a new two-year contract with the Premier League club. The 49-year-old's fresh deal, confirmed in a club statement on Friday, will keep him at the MKM Stadium until the summer of 2028, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months.
This commitment follows a remarkable start to the 2026/27 season, where Hull City sit 3rd in the Premier League with six points from two wins, having scored three goals and conceded none. Their next test is a trip to face Chelsea, who are 4th, on September 12th.
How has Jakirović transformed Hull City?
Sergej Jakirović took charge in June 2025 with the club facing a relegation battle in the Championship. In his debut season, he orchestrated a stunning turnaround, guiding Hull City to a play-off place on the final day after a 2-1 win over Norwich City. He then masterminded three consecutive clean-sheet victories in the play-offs, beating Millwall and then Middlesbrough at Wembley to secure promotion. This ended a ten-year absence from the top flight and made him only the third Hull City manager to achieve promotion via the play-offs. His points-per-game average in that Championship campaign was 1.58.
What makes this Premier League start so special?
The new contract comes on the back of a flawless return to the Premier League. Hull City began with a historic 2 0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, their first league win against the Red Devils in 52 years. They followed that with a,1 0 away win at Coventry City. Jakirović and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta are the only managers among the four who started with two wins to also keep clean sheets in both games. The other managers with perfect records are Chelsea's Xabi Alonso and Manchester City's Enzo Maresca. The club's current standings position reflects this strong foundation.
What did the key figures say?
In the statement reported by Punch Sports, Jakirović expressed his delight at continuing the journey. "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," he said. Chairman Acun Ilıcalı highlighted the instant connection, stating, "From the first day we met, it was clear that we had a special relationship." Ilıcalı appointed Jakirović in June 2025, and this new deal solidifies their partnership for the club's top-flight future.
What challenges lie ahead for the squad?
Maintaining this momentum will require navigating a demanding schedule and managing the squad's fitness. Hull City currently have several players sidelined, including Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, Óscar Zambrano, and Lewie Coyle. Their availability for the upcoming fixtures, starting with the Chelsea match, will be important. Fans can track the latest team news on our dedicated injuries page.
The final detail of Jakirović's new contract is the club's option to extend his stay until the end of the 2028/29 season.
