Widhölzl Reveals Approach from Germany

Andreas Widhölzl has been the head coach of the Austrian men's ski jumping team since 2020.

His successful era includes the overall World Cup titles won by Stefan Kraft (2023/24) and Daniel Tschofenig (2024/25). Under Widhölzl, the ÖSV Eagles have consistently won the World Cup Nations Cup since 2021/22.

The Austrians' success has naturally not gone unnoticed by the competition, including in Germany.

At the beginning of the year, the DSV was looking for a head coach to succeed Stefan Horngacher and had also knocked on Widhölzl's door.

Inquiry from Germany? "Nobody knows this, but..."

The ÖSV head coach confirmed this in an interview with the "Kleine Zeitung": "Nobody actually knows this, but: The German Ski Association asked me if I would like to succeed Stefan Horngacher as the DSV head ski jumping coach."

The approach was naturally turned down, according to Widhölzl, who instead extended his contract with the ÖSV in the summer.

First approach in Widhölzl's career

However, it was also a first for the 50-year-old Tyrolean: "That was the first and only offer I've ever received as a coach so far. Maybe because everyone knows that I don't want to go anywhere else anyway. I'm just very patriotic and appreciate the system in Austria. So: As long as they want me here..."

In Germany, they ultimately turned to another Austrian: Andreas Mitter has been the new head coach of the DSV ski jumpers since this year.