The AIFF’s Technical Committee has picked three candidates from 170 people who applied for the job of head coach for the Indian national football team. Old India coach Stephen Constantine, local hero Khalid Jamil, and Slovak coach Štefan Tarkovič are in the last choices.
The job opened up after the federation and Manolo Marquez from Spain decided to go their separate ways earlier this month. The three candidates will be looked at by the Executive Committee before one is chosen to lead the Blue Tigers.
[UPDATE] Stephen Constantine: The Return of the Familiar General?
Stephen Constantine knows Indian football well — he’s like a seasoned fighter in the Blue Tigers’ story. Constantine was head coach two times, from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2015 to 2019.
He helped India achieve important things: a silver medal at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, a SAFF Championship win in 2016, and a victory in the Intercontinental Cup in 2018. He helped India get ready for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, guiding the team with smart plans and strong spirit.
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After working with India, he became the coach of East Bengal in the 2022–23 ISL season. Then, he moved on to coach the Pakistan national team.
This decision surprised some people but showed his desire for new challenges. Now, a third time with India is coming up — like a bird ready to fly again.
INDIA 🇮🇳 HEAD COACH : THE FINAL THREE
Stefan Tarkovic vs Stephen Constantine vs Khalid Jamil
Who do you want to see? pic.twitter.com/G3hzcV2UDL
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) July 23, 2025
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Khalid Jamil: The Domestic Dynamo With a Historic Edge
Khalid Jamil, currently at the helm of Jamshedpur FC, is a symbol of grassroots growth and ISL grit. The man who once made Aizawl FC I-League champions in 2016–17 — the first from the northeast to achieve such a feat — is no stranger to making magic with modest squads.
His ISL legacy is etched with bold milestones: becoming the first Indian to be a full-time ISL head coach and guiding NorthEast United FC to the 2020–21 playoffs. Jamil also pushed East Bengal and Jamshedpur to Super Cup runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2025 respectively.
For many, he’s the local knight who knows the terrain — battle-tested and ever tactical.
[TRENDING] Štefan Tarkovič: The European Strategist in Asian Spotlight
Štefan Tarkovič might not be a familiar name to Indian fans, but his achievements are impressive. The head coach of Kyrgyzstan used to be in charge of Slovakia’s U18 team and the senior national team.
Tarkovič has a strong background in European coaching. He uses a clear and organized way to play the game. His run brings a global touch to the list — like a surprise pick in a close competition.
If chosen, he would bring new ideas and might change the current way India does things in tactics.
Candidate Comparison Table
Here’s how the three chosen candidates compare based on their experience and what they have done:
| Candidate | National Experience | Club Experience (India) | Major Achievements |
| Stephen Constantine | India (2002–2005, 2015–2019), Pakistan | East Bengal (2022–23) | SAFF 2016, Intercontinental Cup 2018, AFC 2019 Qualifier |
| Khalid Jamil | None (only club level) | Aizawl, NorthEast, East Bengal, Jamshedpur | I-League 2016–17, ISL playoffs 2020–21 |
| Štefan Tarkovič | Slovakia (U18 & Senior), Kyrgyzstan | None | UEFA & Asian |
Amit Mishra’s Thoughts
The choice is now up to the AIFF Executive Committee, and it has important effects for the future. Each finalist has a special skill for the fight — Constantine with his know-how, Jamil with his home skills, and Tarkovič with his global style.
This shortlist reflects the AIFF’s dilemma between familiarity, faith in Indian coaching talent, and the appeal of European discipline. Whoever lands the job must navigate Indian football through a transformative era — with expectations as high as a 90th-minute penalty.
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