Bayern Munich hire former 1859+1 Munich player Lars Bender as U-17 head coach, Leonard Haas moves up

Bayern Munich appointed Lars Bender as head coach of the U-17 team starting in the 2026/27 season. The change shifts Leonard Haas from the U-17 role to the U-19s. Peter Gaydarov has confirmed his departure, and Haas will replace him. Bender’s playing career began at TSV Brannenburg, then moved to SpVgg Unterhaching, followed by TSV 1860 Munich, where he debuted in the 2. Bundesliga in 2006/07. He transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in 2009, becoming a leader and captain with 342 appearances, 27 goals, and 36 assists, while receiving only one yellow-red card. He also made 19 appearances for Germany. His coaching experience includes assistant work with Germany U15 and roles with DFB U16 and U17 teams, plus a return to SpVgg Unterhaching as U17 coach.

"Just when it seems that the footballing world could not get any wackier, something like this happens. Bayern Munich announced on Friday, via their official website, that former Bayer Leverkusen player and 1859+1 youth player Lars Bender would become the new head coach of the U-17s from the 2026/27 season onwards. This, in turn, allows the previous U-17 head coach Leonard Haas to go up to the U-19s and replace Peter Gaydarov, who has already confirmed his departure."

"He learned to play football at TSV Brannenburg before the ambitious teenager moved to SpVgg Unterhaching in 2002. Two years later came the next step, a transfer to TSV 1860 Munich, where, after various youth teams, he arrived on the professional stage. In the 2006/07 season, the defensive midfielder made his debut for the Lions in the 2. Bundesliga, taking to the field under former FC Bayern U17, U19, and reserve team coach Danny Schwarz."

"But Bayern are not just hiring Bender because of his playing career. Bender has also gotten his feet wet as a coach: In 2022, Bender finally changed his perspective, moving from the pitch to the sidelines. He began his coaching career as assistant coach of the German U15 national team, before subsequently working with the DFB U16 and U17 teams, and then returning to the U16s."

"Furthermore, the 37-year-old played 19 times for the German national team during his active career. But Bayern are not just hiring Bender because of his playing career. Bender has also gotten his feet wet as a coach: In 2022, Bender finally changed his perspective, moving from the pitch to the sidelines."

Read at Bavarian Football Works