Who Is Khalid Jamil? The New Head Coach Of Indian National Football Team

Last Updated:August 01, 2025, 14:06 IST

The 48-year-old Jamil, who is known for his defensive strategies and success with limited budgets, aims to revitalise Indian football.

Khalid Jamil. (X)

Khalid Jamil has been appointed India men’s football head coach, becoming the first Indian to hold the senior men’s post since Savio Medeira in 2012. His rise from domestic stalwart to national tactician marks a watershed for Indian football.

Born in Kuwait in 1977, Jamil’s playing career spanned Mahindra United, Air India and Mumbai before injuries forced his early retirement in 2009. Undeterred, he immediately transitioned into coaching, starting with Mumbai FC at just 32. Over seven seasons he kept the club afloat on shoestring budgets, earning a reputation for pragmatism and grit. His 26.8% win rate with Mumbai belied an ability to exceed expectations with limited resources.

Jamil’s breakthrough arrived in January 2017 at Aizawl FC. Against all odds, he guided the newly reinstated northeast club to the 2016–17 I-League title—the first Indian coach ever to lift India’s top domestic trophy. His side lost only three times all season, pipped Mohun Bagan by a single point, and remained unbeaten away.

In the Indian Super League, Jamil has repeatedly punched above his weight. After stints at East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, he made history with NorthEast United in 2020–21, steering them to their first playoff appearance—an unmatched feat by an Indian coach in ISL’s history. At Jamshedpur FC, he led a 2024–25 campaign that yielded their best league finish (5th) and a Super Cup runner-up spot, earning back-to-back AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year awards in 2023–24 and 2024–25. 

Jamil’s teams are famed for their defensive organisation, work ethic and rapid counters. He emphasises well-structured backlines, industrious midfielders and width from wingers, often deploying a target-man up front. While not flamboyant, his pragmatism addresses India’s long-standing frailties at the back and maximises the pace of wide attackers like Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Why He Fits the Role:

–   Proven title-winning pedigree with limited budgets (at Aizawl).  

–   Pioneering ISL success, turning underdogs into semifinalists and playoff qualifiers

–   Strong man-management and adaptability, seamlessly stepping into new environments.  

–   First-hand knowledge of India’s league structure, players and challenges from grassroots to ISL.  

–   Cost-effective choice aligned with AIFF’s financial constraints, at a reported ₹10 lakh/month remuneration.

Jamil succeeds Manolo Marquez, who stepped down by mutual consent on July 2 after securing just one win in eight matches and falling perilously close to AFC Asian Cup elimination following a loss to Hong Kong. Marquez’s departure opened the door for a fresh, home-grown approach.

India’s next assignment under Jamil will be September’s CAFA Nations Cup, kicking off against Tajikistan on August 29. With his history of defying odds, Jamil offers fans a blend of solidity and spirited surprises—and a genuine hope that India’s best days in football might lie ahead.

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

August 01, 2025, 14:06 IST

News sports » football Who Is Khalid Jamil? The New Head Coach Of Indian National Football Team

Read More