Jena, June 09, 2026 – Basketball Bundesliga club Science City Jena has found a new head coach. Just one week after the unexpected departure of Mike Taylor, the Thuringian club announced the signing of Steven Esterkamp, who has signed a contract until 2029.
- Event: Appointment of new head coach
- Person: Steven Esterkamp (45, American)
- Contract duration: Until 2029
- Previous position: Eisbären Bremerhaven
Like the 53-year-old Taylor, 45-year-old Esterkamp is also an American. Most recently, the Cincinnati-born coach managed the second-division team Eisbären Bremerhaven, with whom he narrowly missed promotion to the BBL in the ProA playoff semi-finals. In Jena, he succeeds Taylor, who had successfully secured the team’s league status and was originally intended to continue in his role. However, a cancellation for personal reasons, supported by his family living in the USA, thwarted this plan.
Long-standing experience in German basketball
Esterkamp is no stranger to German basketball. Between 2003 and 2014, he spent eleven years as a player in Germany, playing for clubs such as ratiopharm ulm – where he celebrated the vice-championship in 2012 – and Würzburg. He also gained experience in Thuringia as an assistant coach for the Rockets Gotha between 2014 and 2017.
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Background: Coaching change at Science City Jena
The surprising coaching change presents Science City Jena with new sporting directions for the coming years. By securing Steven Esterkamp on a long-term contract until 2029, the club is prioritizing continuity at the helm and relying on the new coach’s profound knowledge of the German basketball market.
Source:
Esterkamp from Bremerhaven: Science City Jena has found a new coach
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI assistance.