Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur, May 2: The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has honoured Jamshedpur FC’s head coach, Khalid Jamil, with the AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year award for the second consecutive season.

This marks his second consecutive win, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most accomplished and consistent tacticians. The recognition comes after a remarkable campaign where Jamil led Jamshedpur FC to their first-ever final in the Kalinga Super Cup and orchestrated a historic turnaround in the Indian Super League. Under his leadership, the team showcased a resilient and compact style of football, grounded in tactical discipline and belief in Indian talent.

Khalid Jamil, an AFC Pro Licensed Coach, gained fame after winning the FPAI Coach of the Year award in 2020–21. He led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title and is the only Indian coach to guide an ISL team to the playoffs, showcasing his tactical expertise and leadership.

Taking over Jamshedpur FC mid-2023–24, when they had only 2 wins in 11 matches, Khalid Jamil sparked a turnaround. The team won all three 2024 Kalinga Super Cup league games, reaching the semi-finals, and went unbeaten in his first five ISL matches (3 wins, 2 draws), earning 11 points and boosting playoff hopes until the season's penultimate game.

Known for his calm presence on the sidelines and his deep understanding of Indian football, Khalid Jamil has carved a reputation as a coach who prioritises team cohesion and player development. Khalid Jamil’s strategic brilliance, ability to inspire players, and commitment to Indian football have been central to Jamshedpur FC’s resurgence this year.

With seven players from the club’s youth development setup in the senior squad and a clear focus on nurturing Indian talent, Khalid Jamil’s work also explains how success can be achieved through homegrown belief and vision, not just big names or budgets.

"I want to sincerely thank the Jamshedpur FC management for giving me this opportunity. A special thanks to Chanakya Chaudhary sir (Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel), Mukul Choudhari Sir (CEO, Jamshedpur FC), and Prashant Godbole (General Manager, Jamshedpur FC) for their constant support and belief in me. I am deeply grateful to my entire support and technical staff, and most importantly, to our players, this recognition is because of their relentless hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the season.

On a personal note, I want to thank my family, my wife and two sons, for standing by me through every high and low. Their love and support keep me going. To the fans, thank you for always being behind us. And to all the coaches out there, keep working hard, stay true to your path, and always give your best. Hard work never goes unnoticed.,” he said after receiving the award