Earn with Nexo
Ralf Rangnick signs long-term deal with Austria until June 2028
The German tactician turned down AC Milan to stay with the Austrian national team through the next European Championship cycle
Ralf Rangnick has committed his future to Austrian football, signing a new contract as head coach that runs through June 2028. The 67-year-old German chose stability over the glamour of Serie A, walking away from AC Milan to remain at the helm of a national team he has quietly transformed into a genuine European contender.
Why Rangnick chose country over club
Negotiations with AC Milan reportedly broke down in mid-June 2026 after Rangnick grew frustrated with delayed decisions from owner Gerry Cardinale. Rangnick’s demands for full sporting control over the club’s sporting operations were apparently not met.
In 2024, he declined the opportunity to manage Bayern Munich, choosing instead to focus on his national team project.
The Austrian Football Association, known as the OFB, clearly understood the stakes. They reportedly offered to double Rangnick’s salary as part of their pitch to keep him through Euro 2028.
The Austria project so far
Rangnick was originally appointed on April 29, 2022, under a two-year deal. Austria qualified for UEFA Euro 2024, which automatically triggered a contract extension tied to tournament progress.