Ex-Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic returns to role

Slaven Bilic was hired as head coach of the Croatia national football team on Monday, taking over following Zlatko Dalic's post-World Cup departure.

It will be Bilic's second term in charge of his nation's program after previously coaching them from 2006-12.

"I have the complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition, and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football's elite," Bilic said in a statement posted to the Croatian federation's X account.

"I am genuinely happy to start this challenge, and I feel fully prepared for it -- as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, yet with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia stay powerful, bold, and successful."

Dalic stepped down last week, soon after Croatia's exit from the World Cup with a 2-1 round of 32 loss to Portugal.

But Dalic instilled a higher standard in Croatia by leading them to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish in 2022.

The federation dubbed him "the greatest Croatian coach of all time" on social media when announcing his decision to step down.

Bilic, 57, took over in 2006 after Croatia's group-stage exit from that summer's World Cup. The nation failed to qualify under Bilic in 2010.

His coaching experience also includes stints with Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow, Turkey's Besiktas and a trio of English clubs: West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

He led West Bromwich Albion to promotion to the Premier League in 2020. His most recent coaching role was a one-year stay with Saudi Pro League club Al-Fateh from 2023-24.