The esteemed World champion coach, Herbert, harbored a desire to continue his tenure at DBB.
Gordon Herbert, the World Championship-winning basketball coach, is stepping down from the German Basketball Federation (DBB). After grabbing bronze at the European Championships, winning the World Championship, and placing fourth in Paris, Herbert's tenure with the German team has come to an end. During an interview with "World", Herbert explained the reasons behind his impending departure from the DBB and the Bayern team, and who he would have preferred as his successor at the helm of German basketball.
Despite showing interest in extending his contract with the DBB, negotiations ultimately fell through. The stumbling block was the federation's refusal to allow Herbert to hold a dual role as a club coach, something he had desired the previous year.
Herbert, who had previously relinquished his role as national coach after the Olympics, is now working as a coach for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The looming transition in the German national team was also a factor in his decision to step down. "A new team needs to be formed now, which will take at least two years. But I only had one year left on my contract," explained Herbert.
"Not consulted on the choice of successor"
Herbert was not involved in the selection process to choose his successor. The DBB opted for Spaniard Alex Mumbru as the new national coach. "I was only officially informed about his appointment the night before his presentation. I wasn't consulted in the process," said the 65-year-old.
If given the chance, Herbert would have chosen one of his assistant coaches, Bret Brielmaier or Klaus Perwas, to succeed him. However, both coaches were never approached for the position, as far as Herbert knows. "I'm not even sure if they would have been interested in the job," he added.
Money was not the primary motivation for herbert's move to Bayern Munich. "People think I'm joining Bayern for the money, but that's not true. I had offers that were much higher," explained the coach. "I wanted to stay in Germany and am happy working here. I enjoy the German culture."
Despite not being consulted in the selection process, the German Basketball Federation (DBB) appointed Spaniard Alex Mumbru as the new national coach, leaving Gordon Herbert out of the loop. Had he been given the opportunity, Herbert would have preferred to see either his assistant coach Bret Brielmaier or Klaus Perwas step into the role.
