Borussia Dortmund appoint Ole Book as sporting director after his impressive rise with Elversberg, putting him on a contract until 2029.
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the appointment of Ole Book as their new sporting director, moving quickly to fill the role following the departure of Sebastian Kehl. The 40-year-old joins the Bundesliga giants on a contract running until June 2029.
ℹ️ Borussia Dortmund and sporting director Sebastian Kehl have mutually agreed to part ways.
We would like to thank Sebastian for his dedication, his commitment to the club, and his achievements, and wish him all the best for the future! pic.twitter.com/B0zWV3Jz59
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) March 22, 2026
Book arrives from SV Elversberg, where he earned praise for overseeing the club’s remarkable rise from the fourth tier to the 2. Bundesliga. His work caught the attention of Dortmund, who identified him as their preferred candidate for the role.
The decision comes at a crucial time for Dortmund, who currently sit second in the Bundesliga table, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by nine points with seven matches remaining. The club hopes Book’s strategic approach will help strengthen their long-term sporting direction.
Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken praised the appointment, highlighting Book’s achievements and suitability. Book himself expressed excitement, describing Dortmund as one of Europe’s biggest clubs and pledging to contribute ideas that will help shape a successful future.
Ole Book is set to become Borussia Dortmund’s new sporting director. 🤝
BVB has agreed to bring the 40-year-old on board starting this Wednesday. Book will sign a contract running through June 30, 2029. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ROCZiiVCq8
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) March 23, 2026
Born in Beckum, roughly an hour from Dortmund, Book enjoyed a professional playing career before moving into management. He represented clubs such as Rot Weiss Ahlen, MSV Duisburg, and SV Wehen Wiesbaden, while also earning six caps at youth level for Germany.
After retiring in 2017, Book joined Elversberg as a scout and was promoted to sporting director just one year later. Under his leadership, the club achieved two promotions from the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga, and he was elevated to the sporting board in 2023 as his influence grew.
Elversberg nearly completed another fairytale last season, narrowly missing promotion to the Bundesliga after a relegation play-off defeat to 1. FC Heidenheim. During this period, Book developed a reputation for identifying talent, bringing in players who later thrived at higher levels.
Despite interest from other clubs, including Borussia Mönchengladbach, Book initially chose to remain loyal to Elversberg. However, when Dortmund made their move, he accepted the challenge, stepping into a demanding role at one of Germany’s biggest clubs as he aims to shape the Black and Yellows’ future.
