The anticipated appointment represents a somewhat unexpected development in Cibona's coaching search. Experienced Croatian coach Dražen Anzulović had previously been considered the leading candidate, while former Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac was regarded as the club's most ambitious option. However, financial considerations and differences over the club's long-term direction appear to have influenced the final decision, with Cibona increasingly favouring a younger coach capable of developing alongside the organisation.
The Zagreb club are attempting to balance their sporting ambitions with a more sustainable financial strategy after a period of significant restructuring. Having returned to the Basketball Champions League following a ten-year absence, Cibona face increased expectations both domestically and internationally. The choice of their next head coach could therefore have a substantial influence on the club's immediate results and longer-term development.
Why Cibona Turned to Ivan Tomas
Cibona's search initially focused on bringing in a high-profile coach with substantial European experience. Jurica Golemac, who previously worked at the EuroLeague level with Dubai Basketball, was considered an attractive candidate because of his tactical knowledge and international reputation. Reports indicate that Golemac held discussions with people involved in Cibona's leadership, including Victor Dodig, who has played a central role in the club's financial restructuring.
However, the negotiations proved complicated. Golemac's financial circumstances and expectations for the club's future development reportedly made an agreement unrealistic. The coach was also understood to be seeking guarantees about Cibona's competitiveness over the next several seasons, rather than focusing exclusively on immediate salary considerations. With the Zagreb club still working towards financial stability and a stronger European position, those expectations represented a significant obstacle.
Attention subsequently shifted towards Dražen Anzulović and Ivan Tomas, two Croatian coaches offering contrasting profiles. Anzulović, 59, brought considerable experience, having previously coached Cibona and the Croatian national team while also working in Belgium, Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, China and Russia. His international background made him an attractive option for a club competing in multiple competitions, but negotiations reportedly broke down over financial terms.
Tomas, meanwhile, offers a different approach. At 45, he is regarded as a promising Croatian coach whose career has been built primarily through domestic basketball. Although he lacks Anzulović's extensive international head-coaching experience, his work with younger players and familiarity with Croatian basketball have helped establish his reputation as a developing tactician.
According to Večernji list, the decision to move towards Tomas followed unsuccessful negotiations with Anzulović. The publication reported that Tomas had become the most acceptable solution for Cibona's management, although the appointment remains unofficial until confirmed by the club.
Tomas Brings Domestic Experience and National Team Knowledge
Born in Križevci, Ivan Tomas comes from one of Croatia's best-known basketball families. His younger brother Marko Tomas enjoyed a successful international playing career, representing major European clubs including Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe, while another brother, Luka, has also competed professionally in Croatian basketball.
Ivan Tomas was himself a talented point guard during his playing career, becoming particularly well known for his performances with KK Zagreb. After retiring, he moved into coaching and gradually developed his experience within Croatia's domestic basketball system.
His coaching career includes two spells with Zabok, totalling six seasons, as well as two seasons in charge of Bosco. Tomas most recently completed his second three-year period with Zabok, where he built a reputation for developing players and working effectively within the financial constraints faced by smaller Croatian clubs.
Although his club coaching experience has been concentrated in Croatia, Tomas has also gained valuable exposure to international basketball through his involvement with the Croatian national team. Since 2023, he has worked as an assistant coach under Aleksandar Petrović, Josip Sesar and Tomislav Mijatović, participating in preparations for international qualifying matches and gaining experience alongside established national team staff.
That combination of domestic knowledge and national team involvement could prove useful at Cibona. The Zagreb club require a coach capable of managing experienced players, developing younger talent and maintaining competitiveness across several competitions while operating within a carefully controlled budget.
Tomas was also considered for the head-coaching position at Split during the summer, although the Dalmatian club ultimately selected Damir Rančić. His potential arrival at Cibona would therefore represent an important career opportunity and his most demanding assignment as a club head coach.
Rudež Leaves After Difficult Start to the Season
The coaching change follows Cibona's decision to part ways with Ivan Rudež, who guided the club to the Croatian championship during the 2025/26 season. His title-winning campaign was particularly significant because it secured Cibona's return to the Basketball Champions League after a decade away from the competition.
Despite that achievement, the new season began with disappointing results. A series of defeats in the ABA League and European competition increased pressure on the coaching staff, eventually leading to a mutual agreement to terminate Rudež's contract.
Cibona officially confirmed his departure on October 22, thanking him for his professionalism and contribution to the club's recent achievements. Sporting director Marin Rozić acknowledged the importance of Rudež's work, particularly the Croatian championship title and return to European competition, but explained that the club believed a change was necessary.
The decision highlighted the challenges facing Cibona as they attempt to compete on several fronts. While the team have shown encouraging signs in domestic competition, their performances against stronger regional and European opponents have exposed weaknesses that require attention.
Following Rudež's departure, assistant coaches Neven Nikolić and Andrej Štimac were temporarily entrusted with the first team. The club's management made clear that the arrangement was intended to provide continuity while negotiations with prospective replacements continued.
Financial Stability Shapes Cibona's Coaching Decision
The selection of Cibona's next coach is closely connected to the club's broader financial ambitions. Following years of instability, Cibona have begun implementing a restructuring plan intended to improve financial sustainability and gradually restore their competitiveness at the European level.
According to basketball journalist Tvrtko Puljić, the club's development strategy includes increasing its annual budget by approximately €500,000 to €1 million over successive seasons. With the current budget estimated at around €1.5 million, Cibona remain some distance from the financial resources available to established European basketball organisations.
That gap helps explain why attracting a coach of Golemac's international standing proved difficult. Beyond immediate salary negotiations, the club must demonstrate that it can provide the sporting infrastructure, competitive roster and long-term stability expected by coaches accustomed to working at the highest level.
The financial dimension also influenced discussions with Anzulović, whose experience across multiple European and international leagues placed him in a strong negotiating position. Tomas, by contrast, represents a potential opportunity to invest in a developing coach while preserving greater flexibility for other sporting priorities.
Such an approach carries both opportunities and risks. A younger coach with strong knowledge of domestic basketball could help establish a clear identity and develop players over several seasons. However, the pressure to deliver immediate results remains considerable, particularly at a club with Cibona's history and expectations.
Immediate Challenges Await the New Coach
Cibona's next ABA League fixture against Igokea represents the immediate deadline for completing the coaching appointment. Sporting director Marin Rozić previously indicated that he expected a new head coach to be in charge for the encounter, leaving the club with limited time to finalise negotiations and allow the incoming coach to work with the squad.
The situation is especially demanding because Cibona must also prepare for further Basketball Champions League commitments. The Croatian champions are scheduled to face Strasbourg in France on November 3, a match that will provide another important test of their ability to compete against established European opposition.
Any incoming coach will therefore have little opportunity to introduce major tactical changes before facing important opponents. The initial priority will likely be restoring confidence, improving defensive organisation and establishing greater consistency in the team's performances.
Tomas would also inherit a squad that has demonstrated its ability to achieve domestic success but has struggled to reproduce that level against stronger international opposition. Managing those contrasting demands will require effective communication, tactical flexibility and careful use of the available roster.
The pressure associated with coaching Cibona should not be underestimated. The club remains one of the most recognisable names in European basketball history, with a passionate supporter base and a tradition shaped by legendary players and major international achievements.
For Tomas, taking charge would represent a significant step forward in his coaching career. For Cibona, it would signal a willingness to place responsibility in the hands of a developing Croatian coach rather than pursuing a more expensive established international name.
The expected appointment of Ivan Tomas could mark the beginning of an important new chapter for Cibona Zagreb. While his limited experience at the highest European club level raises legitimate questions, his domestic coaching background, national team involvement and reputation for player development make him an intriguing candidate. The club's next challenge will be transforming that potential into results while continuing its broader efforts to rebuild financial stability and restore its competitive standing.
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