Borussia Dortmund is reportedly casting a wide net in its search for a successor to Sebastian Kehl, with initial reports suggesting they are also looking at candidates from Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.
Nils-Ole Book, the 40-year-old Sporting Director of SV Elversberg, is reportedly a name being discussed among Dortmund’s management. Book currently holds the position of sporting director at the promotion-contending club from the German lower division.
Book has earned an excellent reputation within the football industry in recent years. He is highly regarded for his analytical approach, calm and strategic leadership style, and intelligent squad planning. Due to these qualities, he was previously linked with roles at VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
However, he reportedly turned down offers from other Bundesliga clubs, choosing instead to extend his contract with Elversberg. This decision was reportedly made with the anticipation of a future opportunity with an even larger club, a chance that could now present itself with the Black and Yellows.
At Elversberg, Book is widely credited as one of the architects behind the club’s current sporting success. Despite notable player departures last summer, he successfully assembled a competitive squad for the Saarland-based club. After 27 of 34 matchdays, Elversberg currently sits in second place in the 2. Bundesliga table, putting them in a strong position for promotion to the top flight.
BVB Unexpectedly Parts Ways with Sporting Director Kehl
Borussia Dortmund announced on Sunday afternoon that they had parted ways with their Sporting Director. Sport Managing Director Lars Ricken stated that «the right time for changes has come» in the summer. He added, «To allow both sides to prepare for this, we have mutually agreed upon an immediate termination of Sebastian’s duties.» Ricken expressed gratitude for Kehl’s «enormous contributions to our club, and we are very thankful for his great commitment.»
Kehl served as Head of the Licensed Player Department at BVB for four years, starting in 2018, a period during which Dortmund secured the DFB-Pokal in 2021. In the summer of 2022, the former BVB professional transitioned into the role of Sporting Director. Under his tenure, the Black and Yellows reached the Champions League final in 2024. Kehl was long considered a potential successor to former CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, but the coveted top executive position ultimately went to Lars Ricken.
«Borussia Dortmund has been a part of my life for half its duration, and I have an extreme connection to this magnificent club,» said Kehl, who spent 13 years at Dortmund as a player. «Nevertheless, we have now jointly come to the feeling that it is time to go new ways – both for BVB and for me.» Recent rumors had suggested a possible engagement for the 46-year-old as Sporting Director at Hamburger SV, as a promotion within BVB was not feasible in the current club structure.