Kjelling and Lund in Duel for Norway Job: 'A Handful of Candidates'

The race to succeed Jonas Wille as the head coach of the Norwegian men's national handball team is heating up, with former national teammates Kristian Kjelling and Børge Lund emerging as the frontrunners. Both coaches are currently locked in a fierce competition on the club level, facing off in the league semifinals as Elverum (coached by Lund) takes on Drammen (coached by Kjelling).

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It would be completely wrong to comment on names now.

This dual role, where potential rivals for the national team job are directly competing against each other, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing playoff series. The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) has confirmed that a 'handful' of candidates are being considered, and while Lund and Kjelling appear to be the primary focus, other individuals are also part of the evaluation process. The NHF's general secretary, Erik Langerud, has remained tight-lipped about specific names, emphasizing the confidentiality of the ongoing search.

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A handful of candidates.

The NHF's timeline suggests a decision will be made by early June. This appointment is crucial for the future of Norwegian handball, especially as the team prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The federation's criteria for the new coach, including potentially not allowing them to coach a club team simultaneously, will be a significant factor in the final decision. The outcome of this coaching search will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the national team in the coming years.

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As far as I know, Lund is among the candidates. Anything else would be strange.