Rhein-Neckar Löwen have parted ways with head coach Maik Machulla with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the Bundesliga season. Assistant coach Michel Abt has been appointed as his successor.
The decision was announced on Monday, a few days after the Löwen suffered a 33–29 home defeat against ThSV Eisenach. The result marked their fourth defeat in eight Bundesliga matches, leaving the Mannheim-based club searching for a way to turn their season around.
Despite a promising pre-season, the team have struggled to deliver consistent results in competitive matches. The club also suffered an early exit in the DHB-Pokal, adding to the pressure on Machulla.
“Despite many positive signs and a strong pre-season, the team have been unable to achieve positive results in the competitive season so far,” managing director Holger Bachert said in a statement. He added that the disappointing performance against Eisenach had contributed to the decision.
Machulla, 49, joined the Löwen in the summer of 2025 after a successful spell at SG Flensburg-Handewitt, where he won two German Bundesliga titles. At Rhein-Neckar Löwen, he held a dual role as head coach and squad planner.
“I respect the club’s decision, even though I would have very much liked to continue working with this team,” Machulla said, adding that he remained convinced of the squad’s quality and potential.
Abt takes charge
Michel Abt, 36, will take over as head coach with immediate effect. A familiar figure at the club, Abt came through the Löwen youth system and played for both the senior team and the reserve side. He coached the second team from 2017 to 2022 before taking charge at Eulen Ludwigshafen.
He returned to Rhein-Neckar Löwen ahead of the 2025/26 season as an assistant coach and will now be tasked with stabilising the Bundesliga side.
“Michel carries the Löwen DNA and knows the team,” Bachert said, expressing confidence that Abt could have a positive impact in his new role.
The club will now consider how to fill the vacant assistant coaching position. The future structure of the sporting director role will also be reviewed.
Abt’s first match in charge will be a challenging away fixture against THW Kiel on Thursday.