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Veteran coach Slaven Bilic is returning to lead Croatia for a second spell, the Croatian Football Federation announced Monday, after Zlatko Dalic resigned following the national team's World Cup exit.
With the appointment, Bilic returns to lead Croatia for the first time in 14 years after stepping down following the team's group-stage exit at UEFA Euro 2012.
Dalic stepped down last week following Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal, which eliminated the team in the World Cup round of 32, ending a successful eight-year spell in charge that included leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, the 2022 World Cup semifinals and the Euro 2020 round of 16.
Bilic, 57, previously managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012 and was unanimously appointed to the role by the Croatian Football Federation. During his first stint, he posted 42 wins, 15 draws and eight defeats in 65 matches.
He also helped usher in a new generation featuring Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka, many of whom later formed the backbone of Croatia's run to the 2018 World Cup final.
His best result with the national team came at the 2008 European Championship, where Croatia reached the quarterfinals before losing to Türkiye in a penalty shootout after conceding a dramatic last-minute equalizer in extra time, just minutes after taking the lead.
After resigning as Croatia coach, Bilic took charge of Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012, but left after one season following the club's worst league finish.
He then moved to Türkiye to coach Besiktas, signing a three-year deal in June 2013 and leading the Istanbul club through a major rebuilding phase as it dealt with financial constraints and a UEFA ban from European competition.
Despite those challenges, Bilic guided Besiktas to consecutive third-place finishes in the Super Lig, led the club to the UEFA Europa League round of 16 after eliminating Liverpool on penalties, and helped lay the foundations for its title-winning side the following season.
He later managed English sides West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Watford before taking charge of Saudi club Al-Fateh during the 2023-2024 season.
A former defender with 44 international appearances for Croatia, Bilic spent most of his playing career at Hajduk Split and also featured for West Ham United and Everton in England during the mid-1990s.
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