Drammen coach Kristian Kjelling remains tight-lipped on his desire to become Norway's national handball team coach following the departure of Jonas Wille, but he is being touted as the top candidate for the position.
The Norwegian Handball Federation's board has recently decided to part ways with head coach Jonas Wille, creating a vacancy that many believe Kristian Kjelling, the longtime coach of Drammen Handball Club, is primed to fill. Kjelling, who has been with Drammen for over a decade and has served as its daily leader since 2022, declined to comment on whether he still harbors aspirations for the national team position. Just two years ago, he was vocal about his ambitions, expressing that becoming national team coach was a 'dream job' for many handball coaches, including himself.
As speculation grows around who will succeed Wille, prominent handball expert Ole Erevik from Viaplay has endorsed Kjelling as the leading candidate to guide the team as they prepare for the 2028 Olympics. Erevik highlighted Kjelling's capabilities in enhancing the performance of star players like Sander Sagosen, positioning him as a potentially transformative figure for the national squad. Despite the endorsements, Kjelling appears focused solely on his responsibilities with Drammen and has opted to refrain from discussing his views on the national coaching role.
The future of the Norwegian national team coaching role is uncertain, but the conversation around Kjelling's potential candidacy suggests a significant interest in how his appointment could impact the sport moving forward. As fans and analysts alike anticipate the announcement of the next coach, the emphasis on Kjelling's proven track record with Drammen raises questions about the criteria and strategies that the Norwegian Handball Federation will prioritize in this crucial selection process.
