Famous Croatian Coaches

Krešimir "Krešo" Ćosić was a Croatian professional basketball player and coach known for his versatility in playing all five positions. He revolutionized basketball in Yugoslavia and was honored with inductions into multiple prestigious Halls of Fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, FIBA Hall of Fame, and College Basketball Hall of Fame. His contributions to the sport were recognized globally, and his legacy is further honored through the Croatian Basketball Cup and KK Zadar's home arena being named after him.

Velimir Perasović is a prominent figure in the world of basketball, known for his dual roles as a coach and former player. With a wealth of experience, he has established himself as a respected professional in the sport. Currently, he holds the position of head coach for UNICS Kazan, a Russian team competing in the VTB United League. Through his strategic expertise and leadership skills, Perasović continues to make significant contributions to the success and development of the team.

Žan Tabak is a Croatian professional basketball coach and former player with a career spanning twenty years. He is currently the head coach for Trefl Sopot of the PLK. Tabak's career was marked by significant achievements, including being the first international player to compete in the NBA Finals for two teams. Despite facing injuries, he maintained an impressive average of 5.0 points during his six-year NBA tenure. Tabak's experience as a player and coach has established him as a respected figure in the basketball world.

Slavko Goluža is a retired Croatian handball player who has transitioned into a successful coaching career. He has notably served as the coach of RK Zagreb, a prominent handball club. Throughout his professional life, Goluža has demonstrated a deep understanding of the sport and a strong leadership ability, guiding players to success on and off the court. His experience as both a player and a coach has equipped him with valuable insights that he leverages to develop talent and achieve results within the handball community.

Lino Červar is a retired Croatian handball coach who achieved significant success in the sport. He guided the Croatia men's national handball team to victory in the 2003 World Championship and the 2004 Olympics. In addition to his coaching career, Červar was a member of the Croatian Parliament from 2003 to 2008 representing the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Notably, he also holds Macedonian citizenship, showcasing his international connections and influence in the handball community.

Slobodan "Piksi" Subotić is a Greek-Slovenian professional basketball coach and former player. He has had a successful career in the sport, serving as the head coach for Budućnost in various leagues including the ABA League, Montenegrin League, and the EuroCup. Subotić obtained Greek citizenship to navigate EU administrative restrictions while playing and coaching in Greece. Known as Slompontan "Lefteris" Soumpotits in Greece, he also holds Bosnian citizenship. Standing at 2.02 m tall, Subotić is recognized for his talent as a swingman with exceptional shooting skills.

Ratko Rudić is a retired Croatian water polo coach and former player known as the most successful water polo coach in history. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive total of 38 medals at major events, including multiple gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships with different national teams. Rudić received prestigious awards for his contributions to the sport, such as the AVNOJ award and the Franjo Bučar State Award for Sport. He retired from coaching in 2012 but continued to work in water polo administration and coaching roles until his retirement in 2020.

Jurica Golemac is a Slovenian professional basketball coach and former player. He has experience playing as a forward and center. Golemac currently serves as the head coach for Dubai in the ABA League. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated skill and versatility on the court, transitioning from a player to a coach. Golemac's expertise and leadership qualities have allowed him to successfully navigate the competitive world of professional basketball, making a significant impact in the sport.

Irfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a former handball player and current coach with a successful career spanning both playing and coaching roles. He competed in the 1988 and 1996 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal with Yugoslavia in 1988 and a gold medal with Croatia in 1996. Known for his scoring prowess, he contributed significantly to his teams' success on the international stage. His achievements were recognized with an induction into the European Handball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Zlatko Saračević was a prominent figure in professional handball, known for his contributions both as a player and a coach. He represented Yugoslavia in the 1988 Summer Olympics and later Croatia in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Saračević transitioned to a career in coaching, notably leading RK Podravka. Beyond his coaching roles, he also served as a commentator for RTL Televizija during the 2015 to 2017 World Championship. His sudden passing in 2021 during a domestic league match left a lasting impact on the handball community.

Nenad Šoštarić is a retired Croatian handball player who transitioned to coaching, taking over as the head coach of the Croatian women's national team in September 2017. Despite a challenging start with a 16th place finish in the 2018 European Championship, Šoštarić's leadership skills shone through as he guided the team to a remarkable bronze medal at the 2020 European Championship in Denmark. His coaching prowess and ability to inspire his team to success highlight his significant contributions to Croatian handball.

Hrvoje Horvat is a renowned Croatian handball coach and former player with a notable career in the sport. He represented SFR Yugoslavia in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to handball. Horvat has made significant contributions to the sport through his coaching expertise, guiding and mentoring numerous players to success. With a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach, he continues to be a respected figure in the handball community, inspiring others with his passion and knowledge.

Željko Babić had a successful career as a handball player, representing Croatia in numerous international competitions. He played as a goalkeeper for top clubs in Europe, earning accolades for his skill and leadership on the court. After retiring as a player, Babić transitioned into coaching, where he continued to make an impact on the sport. He has coached various teams at both club and national levels, showcasing his strategic acumen and ability to develop players. Currently, he serves as the coach of Olympiacos, bringing his expertise to guide and mentor the team.

Zdravko Zovko is a retired Croatian handball player known for his outstanding career in the sport. Throughout his professional life, he demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication on the handball court, earning recognition and respect from fans and peers alike. Zovko's contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact, with his performances serving as inspiration to aspiring handball players. His legacy as a talented athlete continues to be celebrated in the handball community, solidifying his place in the history of the sport.

Ante Kostelić is a renowned Croatian sports figure with a successful career as a handball player, coach, and ski coach. He gained widespread recognition for coaching his children, who achieved significant success in skiing, including winning various championships and Olympic titles. Kostelić also made a mark as the head coach of the ŽRK Osijek handball club, where he led the team to victory in the 1981–82 IHF Women's Cup Winners' Cup. Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to sports.