Jena, June 10, 2026 – Major development for the Thuringian basketball players: Steven Esterkamp takes over the position of head coach at Science City Jena with immediate effect. He succeeds Björn Harmsen and interim coach Taylor to realign the team in the BARMER 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA.
- Club: Science City Jena (Baskets Jena GmbH)
- New Head Coach: Steven Esterkamp
- Predecessors: Björn Harmsen / Taylor
- Sporting Goals: Establishment in the ProA top group, talent development
- Contract Term: Two-year contract (until summer 2028)
Realignment on the Saale: Esterkamp Takes Over
Following a phase of sporting reorientation, the management of Science City Jena has made a path-breaking personnel decision. The experienced American Steven Esterkamp is set to bring consistency and new momentum to the team as the new head coach. Most recently, the team was led by Björn Harmsen and temporarily by Taylor; now, a long-term concept is to be implemented with Esterkamp.
The sporting management provided the new coach with a two-year contract. Esterkamp’s main task will be to form a competitive team for the upcoming season, sharpen the playing identity, and successfully integrate young talents from Jena’s own program. In the medium term, the club aims to return to the top group of the league.
Focus on Development and Stability
Steven Esterkamp is considered a proven expert in the German basketball scene, known for intensive defense and fast team basketball. The club management is convinced they have found the right coach for the upcoming transition. Season preparation will start soon under the new coach to optimally prepare the team for the upcoming challenges in the ProA.
🏀 Background: Science City Jena and Coaching History
Science City Jena looks back on a successful history in German basketball, including several seasons in the top-tier easyCredit BBL (most recently from 2016 to 2019). Predecessor Björn Harmsen shaped the club for many years and led Jena to promotion in 2016, among other achievements. With new head coach Steven Esterkamp, who was already active as a player in Germany and later worked successfully as a coach (including in Elchingen and Paderborn), a new chapter is now to be opened at the Sparkassen-Arena.
Source:
Esterkamp succeeds Taylor as head coach of Science City Jena
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.