Lisbon, Portugal — June 2, 2026
Norway’s handball community is abuzz with anticipation—and some controversy—as goalkeeper Ole Erevik has openly questioned the transparency of the upcoming coach selection process. The 33-year-old, currently Norway’s first-choice goalkeeper, made his remarks in a candid interview that has sparked a national conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of Norway’s handball ambitions. While the Norwegian Handball Federation (Norges Håndballforbund) has not yet confirmed an official timeline for the announcement, Erevik’s comments have added urgency to the debate.
Erevik, who has been a cornerstone of Norway’s defense for over a decade, is not the only figure in the spotlight. Former national team star Kristian Kjelling—who returned to the squad in 2014 after a career-threatening elbow injury—has also weighed in, explicitly ruling out any interest in taking over as head coach. Meanwhile, Norwegian media outlets have reported that the federation is preparing to reveal its choice for the next national team coach in the coming weeks, though no names have been officially linked to the position.
The stakes are high. Norway, a perennial contender in European and World Championships, has faced growing scrutiny over its ability to maintain consistency at the highest levels. With the 2027 World Championship on the horizon, the search for a successor to current head coach Robert Hedin—who has guided Norway since 2013—could not come at a more critical juncture.
Erevik’s Candidacy: A Moment of Truth for Norwegian Handball
In a rare moment of public reflection, Erevik told Norwegian media that he has been approached about the coaching vacancy but remains focused on his playing career. “There’s no secret about my thoughts on this,” he stated, according to reports from VG. “I’ve been asked questions, and I’ve given my answers. But at the end of the day, my priority is still the team and what’s best for Norwegian handball.”
Erevik’s remarks come as Norway’s handball program faces a crossroads. The country’s Golden League performances in recent years—including a narrow defeat to Croatia and a historic victory over Denmark in 2013—have highlighted both its strengths and vulnerabilities. With Hedin’s contract set to expire, the federation is under pressure to appoint a coach who can elevate Norway’s standing in the global rankings, currently ranked 6th worldwide.
Yet Erevik’s involvement in the conversation has introduced an element of unpredictability. As one of Norway’s most decorated players, his perspective carries weight, and his willingness to engage publicly suggests a desire to influence the direction of the sport in his home country.
Kjelling’s Exit: A Legacy of Leadership
Adding another layer to the narrative, Kristian Kjelling—who returned to the Norwegian squad in 2014 after a successful stint in Denmark—has firmly closed the door on coaching aspirations. In a statement to VG, Kjelling confirmed that he has no interest in becoming Norway’s head coach. “My focus is on my career and helping the team in whatever capacity I can,” he said. “I’ve had the chance to play at the highest level, and now I want to give back to the game as a player.”
Kjelling’s decision underscores a broader trend in Norwegian handball: a generation of elite players who have chosen to extend their careers rather than transition into coaching. This shift has left the federation scrambling to identify a successor who can bridge the gap between Norway’s storied past and its ambitious future.
The Coach Selection Process: Transparency Under Scrutiny
The Norwegian Handball Federation has not yet disclosed the full list of candidates under consideration for the head coach position. However, media reports suggest that the federation is evaluating a mix of domestic and international candidates, including former players and established coaches from Europe’s top leagues.
Erevik’s public questioning of the selection process has raised questions about whether the federation is being open enough with its criteria. “There should be no secrets,” he argued. “The players deserve to know who is being considered and why. What we have is about trust, and trust is built on transparency.”
While the federation has not responded directly to Erevik’s comments, sources close to the process indicate that internal discussions are ongoing. The selection committee, which includes representatives from the federation, players’ associations, and club officials, is reportedly finalizing its shortlist in the coming days.
What’s Next for Norway’s Handball Future?
The next critical checkpoint in this unfolding story will be the official announcement of Norway’s new head coach. While no date has been confirmed, media outlets—including NRK and Østlendingen—have reported that the federation is preparing to reveal its choice within the next two weeks.
In the meantime, Erevik and his teammates will continue their preparations for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers, where Norway will look to build momentum ahead of the 2027 World Championship. The success of the new coach will hinge not only on tactical acumen but also on their ability to inspire a new generation of Norwegian handballers.
As the debate over leadership intensifies, one thing is clear: Norway’s handball future is being shaped not just by the decisions of its federation, but by the voices of its players—like Erevik—who are demanding a say in the sport’s evolution.
Key Takeaways
- Ole Erevik has publicly questioned the transparency of Norway’s coach selection process, adding pressure on the federation to clarify its criteria.
- Kristian Kjelling has ruled out any interest in becoming Norway’s head coach, focusing instead on his playing career.
- The Norwegian Handball Federation is expected to announce its choice for the next national team coach within the next two weeks.
- Norway’s handball program faces a pivotal moment ahead of the 2027 World Championship, with the new coach’s success hinging on both tactical and inspirational leadership.
- The selection process has sparked a broader conversation about the role of players in shaping the future of Norwegian handball.
What do you think about the future of Norwegian handball? Should players have a greater say in coaching decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to World Today Journal for the latest updates on this developing story.