Persib Bandung has officially appointed Igor Tolic as the new head coach, replacing Bojan Hodak, who stepped down after leading the team to various achievements in recent seasons.

The announcement was made on Monday, May 25, 2026, local time. Bojan Hodak has not fully parted ways with the club, as he now takes on a new role as a shareholder group technical advisor.

The decision to appoint Igor Tolic is seen as a step to maintain team continuity following the successful era under Bojan Hodak. Igor Tolic has been an integral part of Persib Bandung’s coaching staff as an assistant coach since 2024.

Through its official Instagram account, Persib Bandung expressed confidence in the Croatian coach’s capabilities.

“After being part of Persib Bandung’s journey full of achievements, Igor Tolic will now step up as head coach to continue the legacy of success that has been built together,” wrote Persib Bandung.

Igor Tolic is not a new face in the world of football. Before his coaching career, the 48-year-old played for several Croatian clubs such as HNSK Moslavina, NK Trnje Zagreb, and HASK Zagreb.

After retiring in 2013, Igor Tolic began building his coaching career. He managed Hajduk Split U19 in 2019, then coached NK Osijek II from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, Igor Tolic also managed NK Kustosija and Egyptian club Wadi Degla.

Persib Bandung’s management believes that Igor Tolic understands the team’s character, having been directly involved in squad development, training methods, and locker room dynamics while assisting Bojan Hodak.

The appointment of Igor Tolic is expected to maintain Persib Bandung’s playing identity and championship mentality. Under Bojan Hodak, Persib Bandung made history by winning three consecutive Indonesian League trophies, including the title.

Hajduk Split

Hajduk Split is a professional football club based in Split, Croatia, founded in 1911. It has a rich history as one of the country’s most successful and beloved clubs, deeply tied to Croatian national identity and resistance, particularly during the Yugoslav era when it symbolized local pride and anti-establishment sentiment. The club’s passionate fan base, known as Torcida Split—founded in 1950—is one of the oldest organized supporter groups in Europe, contributing to Hajduk’s enduring cultural significance.

NK Osijek

NK Osijek is a professional football club based in Osijek, Croatia, founded in 1947. The club has a rich history in Croatian football, consistently competing in the top-tier Prva HNL league. Known for its passionate fan base and home matches at the Gradski Vrt Stadium, NK Osijek has achieved notable success, including winning the Croatian Cup in 1999.

NK Kustosija

NK Kustosija is a historic football club based in Zagreb, Croatia, founded in 1919. Known for its strong youth academy and community ties, the club has played a significant role in developing local talent over the decades. Its name and identity are deeply rooted in the Kustošija district, reflecting the area’s working-class heritage and sporting tradition.

Wadi Degla

Wadi Degla is a protected natural area in Egypt, located about 30 kilometers southeast of Cairo. It is a dry river valley (wadi) that was once a prehistoric Nile tributary, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and fossil remains dating back millions of years. The site has been a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing, and it was officially designated as a nature reserve in 1999 to preserve its unique geological and ecological heritage.