In the pantheon of Borussia Dortmund legends, the question “Who is the most successful Borussia Dortmund manager?” often leads fans into a lively debate. Some point to Jürgen Klopp’s transformative years, others to the more recent achievements under Edin Terzić. But when the numbers, trophies, and historical impact are weighed, one name rises above: Ottmar Hitzfeld. In this article, QuraGoal will take you on a journey through Dortmund’s managerial history, unpack the credentials of Hitzfeld, compare him with Klopp and Terzić, and explore what “success” really means at BVB.
Defining “success” at Borussia Dortmund
Before naming the top name, it helps to define the criteria. For BVB, success is rarely measured merely by match wins — because even managers with high win rates didn’t always win silverware. Below are key metrics fans and historians consider when judging Dortmund managers:
- Major trophies won (league titles, domestic cups, European honors)
- Historical firsts or landmark achievements (e.g., first Champions League, first double)
- Longevity and influence on club identity
- Winning percentage and matches managed
- Impact on legacy, culture, and club trajectory
Using that framework, let’s see how the contenders stack up.
Ottmar Hitzfeld: The gold standard at Dortmund
Ascension to the top
Hitzfeld took the reins at Borussia Dortmund in 1991, at a time when the club craved consistent success. Over six seasons he molded a side capable of domestic dominance and European glory. Under his leadership, Dortmund won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 1994–95 and 1995–96 — great achievements by themselves — but what elevated Hitzfeld was what came next: the club’s first and only Champions League crown in 1996–97.
He also secured two DFB-Supercups during his spell. His Champions League triumph over Juventus remains one of the most storied moments in club history, lifting Dortmund into the elite of European football.
Trophies and records
- Bundesliga titles: 2
- Supercup titles: 2
- Champions League: 1
- Intercontinental Cup: 1
- Record stretch in charge: 1991–1997, Hitzfeld’s win rate at Dortmund was healthy, and he was able to maintain consistency over substantial stretches. Under his tutelage, the club experienced its most successful era in modern times. He is often cited as Dortmund’s most decorated coach in terms of top-tier trophies.
Legacy and influence
Beyond silverware, Hitzfeld’s influence lives on in the culture and expectations at Dortmund. He proved that the club could not only challenge domestically, but also compete across Europe. The benchmark he set became a point of reference for every manager who followed.
His success also led to broader recognition: he would go on to enjoy great success with Bayern Munich and is regarded among the legends of Bundesliga coaching.
Jürgen Klopp: The architect of the modern BVB revival
Rebuilding darkness into dynasty
When Klopp arrived in 2008, Borussia Dortmund was in a transitional phase. He brought energy, charisma, and a bold playing style — gegenpressing — that appealed to fans. Klopp delivered two Bundesliga titles (2010–11 and 2011–12), along with a DFB-Pokal and two DFB-Supercups, including the club’s first-ever domestic double in 2012. The 2012–13 season also saw BVB reach the Champions League final, falling to Bayern in a dramatic game.
Klopp’s impact was as much cultural as tactical: he rekindled fan-idol connection, built a core of young stars (Reus, Götze, Lewandowski), and repositioned Dortmund as a force again in German football.
Achievements and statistics
- Bundesliga titles: 2
- DFB-Pokal: 1
- Supercups: 2
- Champions League runner-up: 1
- Longest tenure in the modern era
Klopp’s win percentage is among the best for BVB coaches, and his tenure was longer than most, giving him time to build a philosophy and identity. But Klopp did not bring a Champions League trophy to Dortmund — a key shortfall versus Hitzfeld.
Enduring aura
For many fans, Klopp embodies Dortmund’s soul. His years are often called the “golden era” of recent decades. However, by the criterion of trophy weight, he remains behind Hitzfeld — especially in European success.
Edin Terzić and other contenders
Edin Terzić: From interim to silverware
Terzić first stepped in as interim manager and won the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal in that early stint. Later, with his second spell, he guided Dortmund to a Champions League final (2024), though they fell short, and added another cup run along the way.
His tenure, however, lacked Bundesliga titles. His strengths lie in inspirational turnarounds and cup runs, and he remains a fan-favorite for his dedication to the club.
Other managers worth noting
- Mathias Sammer won the 2001–02 Bundesliga, restoring domestic glory after a drought.
- Lucien Favre brought flashes of brilliance and strong league finishes but few trophies.
- Willi Multhaup remains the only Dortmund manager to have won a European trophy before Hitzfeld (the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1966).
But none of them combine domestic and European success in the same way Hitzfeld did for Dortmund.
Side-by-side: Hitzfeld vs Klopp vs Terzić
| Manager | Major Trophies at BVB | European honors | Tenure / Influence | Why Hitzfeld still leads |
| Hitzfeld | 2 Bundesliga, 2 Supercups | 1 Champions League, Intercontinental Cup | Six years, structural shift | Only manager to deliver UEFA Champions League to Dortmund |
| Klopp | 2 Bundesliga, 1 Cup, 2 Supercups | Champions League runner-up | Longest modern era, cultural revolution | Fell short in Europe, no UCL trophy |
| Terzić | 1 Cup | UCL finalist | Inspirational interim & rebuild spells | Missing league titles and European silver |
When you count total weight — domestic, continental, and historic impact — Hitzfeld remains the gold standard.
Why Ottmar Hitzfeld is the most successful Borussia Dortmund manager
- He delivered both domestic and continental trophies: league titles plus the club’s first (and only) Champions League.
- His tenure represents a historic milestone — the moment Dortmund entered the European elite permanently.
- His influence shaped future expectations: success wasn’t just local dominance, but continental ambition.
- Even Klopp, despite his transformative influence, didn’t match the sheer trophy gravity.
Thus, by every robust measure — trophies, firsts, legacy, European prestige — the most successful Borussia Dortmund manager is Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Conclusion
The most successful Borussia Dortmund manager, when judged by trophies, European impact, and enduring legacy, is Ottmar Hitzfeld. His dual Bundesliga triumphs, Supercups, and Champions League success make him the yardstick against which all later Dortmund managers are measured. While Klopp redefined the club’s spirit and Terzić delivered stirring cup performances, only Hitzfeld’s achievements combine both domestic and continental glory.
In this article, QuraGoal has walked you through the evidence, comparisons, and narratives that elevate Hitzfeld above the pack. If you want deep dives into Klopp’s era, Terzić’s tactics, or Dortmund’s managerial list over the years — just say the word.
