Jamshedpur FC Will Be Very Competitive This Season: Owen Coyle
Jamshedpur, Jan 24: Jamshedpur FC have appointed Owen Coyle as head coach on a two-season contract, bringing back the man who guided the Men of Steel to their historic Indian Super League (ISL) League Winners’ Shield in the 2021–22 season.
Coyle’s return marks a significant move for the club, with the UK-born coach widely remembered for delivering one of the most memorable campaigns in Jamshedpur FC’s history. Under his leadership, Jamshedpur topped the league stage in 2021–22 with 43 points (13 wins, four draws and three losses), scoring 43 goals and conceding 23, to clinch the club’s first-ever Shield. The season was capped by a record seven-match winning run that underlined the team’s consistency and momentum. He also holds the record for the most wins by any head coach in the ISL for Jamshedpur FC.
Having already built a strong reputation in Indian football, Coyle has enjoyed successful spells with both Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. He managed Chennaiyin FC twice, and in his first stint, led them to the ISL final in 2019. He then joined Jamshedpur FC and delivered the Shield-winning season that remains a landmark moment for the club.
He later returned for a second spell at Chennaiyin FC and again lifted the club’s competitiveness, steering Chennaiyin back into the ISL playoffs in 2023–24 before the two parties mutually agreed to part ways last year.
Welcoming Coyle back to the club, Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have Jamshedpur FC favourite coach Owen Coyle back with us! His contribution was instrumental in our championship victory, and we’re confident he’ll help us achieve even greater heights. On behalf of Jamshedpur, I extend a warm welcome back to Owen. We all are excited to see him leading us once again.”
Owen Coyle, equally excited to be back with the club and its supporters, said, “I’m delighted to be back with Jamshedpur FC, where we’ve shared huge success in the past. The league’s been tough, with quality teams, but we’re aiming to be very competitive. We’ve set high standards, and we’ll make sure we rise to them. It’s all about unity, hard work and I’m looking forward to training with the lads and kicking off the upcoming ISL season.”
Back home in the UK, Coyle has also built a solid managerial profile, most notably leading Burnley to the Premier League. He has also had notable stints with Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers before moving to India, gaining experience across different levels of English football.
As a player he had enjoyed a long playing career as a striker across Scotland and England, turning out for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Dundee United and Motherwell, and later combining playing duties with coaching as his career progressed. He was part of Bolton’s promotion-winning side in 1995 and famously scored in the play-off final comeback win against Reading.
Coyle is credited for creating belief and momentum in turnaround situations, often earning player trust early and establishing a clear identity within the squad. In India, he has also been recognised for his willingness to trust young players, giving them meaningful roles and responsibilities rather than limiting them to squad depth.
Known for his front-foot, attacking mindset, Coyle’s teams typically focus on high pressing and direct attacking play. His return is expected to bring renewed energy and clarity as Jamshedpur FC look ahead to the upcoming season with ambition and purpose.
With Owen Coyle back at the helm, Jamshedpur FC now turn their focus to preparations on the training ground, aiming to build on past success and push for another strong ISL campaign.
