German assistant coach Peter Hermann dies at 74 after battle with ALS

Long career across German football

Longtime German assistant coach Peter Hermann died on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at the age of 74. Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen announced his passing on Saturday evening with reference to information provided by his family. FC Bayern Munich subsequently confirmed that Hermann died following an extended battle with the neurological condition ALS. Regarded as a quintessential second-in-command in German football, Hermann spent decades working across top-tier clubs and youth national setups. His work earned him wide respect across the sport, with peers and clubs regarding his stature as equal to or greater than that of many head coaches.

Decades of service in Leverkusen

Hermann spent almost three decades shaping football operations at Bayer Leverkusen across multiple coaching and management positions. During his long tenure with the club, he worked as an interim head coach and as an assistant coach for the senior professional squad. He also took charge of the club's second team and contributed to recruitment as a scout. The club acknowledged his lasting contribution in an official tribute released on Saturday.

“He was the assistant coach par excellence in Germany. More renowned and valued in the industry than many a head coach.”

Leverkusen representatives reiterated the depth of his impact across the club's history in a further statement.

“The entire Bayer 04 family is deeply saddened by the loss of a highly valued person who helped shape football in Leverkusen for many decades. Peter remains unforgotten.”

Treble glory at Bayern and domestic journey

In addition to his long tenure in Leverkusen, Hermann served as an assistant coach at several prominent German clubs and national youth selections. His most celebrated period took place at FC Bayern Munich in 2013, working alongside head coach Jupp Heynckes. As the primary assistant to Heynckes, Hermann helped guide Bayern to the first treble in club history, capturing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles in the same season. Bayern noted that his tactical and organizational input made him an indispensable part of that coaching staff. Hermann later returned to Munich to serve as an assistant under head coach Niko Kovač. His coaching career also included assistant positions at FC Schalke 04, Hamburger SV, and most recently Borussia Dortmund, as well as appointments with youth teams of the German Football Association (DFB).

Tributes across the Bundesliga

The announcement of Hermann's passing brought tributes from clubs and managers across the Bundesliga. FC Bayern Munich published a statement on X recalling his pivotal role during the 2013 campaign and honouring his memory after his battle with ALS. Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač, who worked closely with Hermann during their time together at Bayern Munich, spoke about the loss during a live appearance on Sky television.

“He was a great person, he has left us and may God have mercy on his soul.”

Kovač noted that he was deeply saddened by the news of his former colleague's passing. The collective tributes from Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Dortmund reflected Hermann's status as an enduring fixture of German football.