Jena, June 11, 2026 – A major shake-up for the Thuringian hoopers: Björn Esterkamp is taking over the position of head coach at Science City Jena effective immediately, succeeding Steven Taylor. The second-division basketball club is thus setting a new sporting course for the upcoming season.
- Event: Coaching change at Science City Jena (Basketball, ProA)
- New Head Coach: Björn Esterkamp (previously with Eisbären Bremerhaven, among others)
- Predecessor: Steven Taylor
- Objective: Sporting realignment and talent development
Background of the Decision on the Saale
Following an intensive analysis of the sporting development over the past months, the management of Science City Jena has decided on a personnel cut in the coaching position. Steven Taylor, who previously coached the team, is relieved of his duties. The club management hopes that the signing of Esterkamp will provide new impulses to achieve the season’s goal and give the team a clearer playing identity.
Successful Stations: Esterkamp’s Path to Jena
Björn Esterkamp brings extensive experience in German professional basketball. A significant milestone in his coaching career to date was his engagement with Eisbären Bremerhaven. There, he distinguished himself primarily through the successful integration of young talents and formed a competitive team in the ProA even under challenging conditions. He is now expected to bring this core competence to Jena to link the club’s own youth academy even more closely with the professional sector.
🏛️ The Sparkassen-Arena: The Home of Science City
Located in the Jena district of Burgau, the Sparkassen-Arena has been the permanent home venue for Jena’s basketball players since 2014. With a capacity of up to 3,000 spectators, the arena provides the perfect backdrop for emotional home games. For the new head coach Björn Esterkamp, the coming weeks will be about making the arena an impregnable fortress for opponents in the ProA once again.
Source:
Esterkamp succeeds Taylor as head coach of Science City Jena
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