Danny Franco Expected to Return as Head Coach of Hapoel Holon

Background and Context

As Israel grapples with challenging times, particularly amid ongoing conflict with Iran, professional sports teams are moving quickly to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. In line with these developments, reports have emerged that Hapoel Holon has decided to appoint Danny Franco as the new head coach of the club.

Franco’s Coaching History

Danny Franco, 51, is set for a return to Hapoel Holon, a team he previously coached during the 2008-09 season, which was notable for marking the club’s first championship victory. During that season, he successfully led Holon to a State Cup title. More recently, Franco served as the head coach for Hapoel Tel Aviv, where he guided the team to the EuroCup quarter-finals. His tenure with Hapoel Tel Aviv came to a close following their exit in the quarter-finals of the State Cup last season.

Selection Process and Club Strategy

Hapoel Holon evaluated several local and foreign coaching candidates, including Igor Milicic, the coach of the Polish national team, and Dario Gjergja, who has recently signed with Limoges. However, due to the current circumstances, many foreign options have become less viable. Franco’s discussions with the club, which had started during the consideration of international candidates, have accelerated, making his return to Hapoel Holon imminent.

The decision follows the club’s separation from former coach Guy Kaplan, who had been promoted from assistant to head coach earlier in the season after the departure of Guy Goodes.

As Hapoel Holon prepares for the upcoming season, the appointment of Danny Franco marks a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the team and continuing its competitive evolution