"I have a great job that I love"

When he talked about it at the last press conference—after the third final win over Ulm to secure the championship—it became clear to him, and to everyone else in the room, just how completely insane the past season had been: Exactly one year earlier, on June 27, he had started preparing with the German national team for the 2024 Olympics, reported Gordon Herbert. And exactly 365 days later—after Paris and then 83 competitive games with Bayern (whom he took over after just two “free” days)—he won the long-awaited title as FCBB head coach. On June 26, 2025: checkmate, relieved, and happy.

And now? Now Gordie is on vacation—some summer time off again, for the first time in many years. For a week now, the 66-year-old Canadian has been in his second home in Pyhämaa (translated: Holy Land), a tiny, remote place in western Finland, “by the ocean in the woods,” as he says: chopping wood, clearing brush, fresh air, and yes, a few phone calls about the upcoming season in Munich. Like this one—a relaxed summer chat about the past and what’s coming next.

Gordie, what are you up to in Finland?

GORDON HERBERT: “I’ve got 1.7 hectares here at our summer house—a lot of work. But being outside does me good. I do most of it myself, only for the work on the rocks do I bring someone in. Working in the woods helps me relax—it’s therapy. It took a few days for the recovery to kick in. Winning the championship didn’t really hit me in the moment—because we were just racing from game to game. But now it’s slowly sinking in, and this weekend I’ll start kayaking to continue unwinding. But first I still need to do some work on the nature around the house.”

You played 83 games with Bayern. Have you processed it all yet?

“We had some great moments. But we live in a negative world, where the bad, tough times get more attention. Yes, we had some low points—one was definitely the lost cup semifinal. That hurt. But the EuroLeague was really good, with 19 wins in the regular season…”

… the second-best record in club history…

“… and that put us in a position to be a playoff team. We let that slip away in the final two games, but still—we put ourselves in that position, and that’s something positive to take away from a good year. Even when we suddenly found ourselves down 1–2 in the BBL Finals, and the next morning Marko (Pesic) came to us coaches and talked with us for 30 minutes—I had a positive feeling then too, for Game 4 and what came next.”

"We would have deserved the playoffs"

When you close your eyes, which game or moment comes to mind first?

"The first game in the SAP Garden against Real Madrid. We were down by twelve in the fourth quarter and still found a way to win. That’s when we all realized: something is possible here. The fans and the city immediately built a strong connection with the team. The win in Barcelona (102:101) was also a huge comeback, and in Kaunas we celebrated another great victory (97:82). There were definitely a few games where we played really, really well. And those are the moments we should absolutely remember. Of course, it makes me sad that we didn’t reach the playoffs. That was bittersweet. Because we would have deserved it, with the way we played—especially in the SAP Garden, with our fans, playing up-tempo. I think it was exciting basketball. But many people say that in the end, the German championship is what really matters."

Aside from the overall positive tone, what other conclusions do you draw?

"We didn’t play our best basketball in the BBL playoffs—because some of the guys were really exhausted. I think I made a mistake in the BBL games by not using more players. And when Lucic and Giffey were out for a long time with injuries, we had to give some guys way too many minutes. I believe we need a 15-man rotation in the future—and I need to keep in mind that not everyone can play every (BBL) game."

Will there be an analysis with the coaching staff about that and other issues, or has that already happened?

"We’ll still talk about it all together. I’ve already discussed it with Ivan (Pijanic, FCBB athletic coach). I try to be open and appreciate people who have their own opinion and aren’t afraid to express it. Of course, in the end, I have to make the decision. But I want to be a good listener and I value different perspectives."

"I made a mistake in the BBL games"

Admitting mistakes so openly, as you just did, is rather uncommon these days…

"But I believe that admitting you've made a mistake or done something wrong is not a weakness at all. It's a strength. You have to take responsibility for mistakes and look in the mirror. It’s too easy to just look out the window, make excuses, and blame others. That’s not how I operate. Self-reflection is very important for leadership. As a head coach, you have to make decisions—when they work, no one says anything. When they don’t, you have to be open to criticism. If you can’t take criticism, you can’t coach. That’s why I believe next year will be better—because I’ll be a better coach after these experiences."

Last year’s coach was also pretty drained after 83 games. How are you personally approaching the new season?

"I need to recover well and then prepare well. Preseason is very important—especially since it will be difficult again due to the EuroBasket (August 27 – September 14). And the EuroLeague will be even tougher next season, with more games and even more big money in the market because of new teams. But that’s a good challenge, and I’m looking forward to it. We’ll have a great team, with a strong German core. I really believe we have the chance to be even better than this year."

How involved are you currently in roster planning?

"I speak with Dragan (Tarlac, FCBB Sporting Director) every day, and we go over everything. During the season, I was naturally less involved in that area, but now I’m also talking extensively with new players. We don’t have the budget to compete with the big teams on the transfer market. But I actually prefer the kind of players who are coming off a tough year, who are highly motivated and want to prove something."

The first signing, Wenyen Gabriel, made a very motivated impression in your first conversations.

"Yes, and he gives us the rim protection we didn’t have last year. In the EuroLeague, we were last in protecting our own basket. Gabriel will give us a different look on defense. Booker and Jo (Voigtmann) could stretch the floor with their outside shooting, but we also need more defensive presence. That’s why Gabriel is a great addition for us. Of course, I’m sad that Booker is leaving. On the other hand, I’m happy for him—at 34, he’s getting a good two-year contract. He’s a great guy and a great personality. But I’m very confident that Oscar da Silva and Jo will be even stronger next season. We have plenty of room to improve, and I see a high level of motivation in our guys."

"We’ve still got something to finish"

How are you planning the season?

"Before preseason starts in August, we’ll sit down with the coaching staff and, as mentioned, talk about what went well, what didn’t, and what we can change. Last year, I came straight from the Olympic Games and wasn’t really well prepared. TJ (Parker, assistant coach) also joined us two weeks later, after we had already started. That will be different this time. We can’t afford to lose a single day. But I already like the team dynamic we’re creating with this group. After a full year together, we have a great chance to grow further and get even better—especially on defense. We’ll continue to play fast basketball, high-tempo transition basketball, and that’s something the fans in Munich can count on. To some extent, we are an entertainment business, and people want to see that kind of game—although I’ve always been more of a defensive coach. But that, too, has changed a bit with age."

You clearly seem excited about the next season.

"Yes, I’m looking forward to the new year. Because I feel like we’ve still got something to finish. I have a great job that I love, and I really like the people in and around the club. Of course, for some people, results are the most important thing—maybe too important. But I focus more on the process. And that’s going well in Munich."

Did you reward yourself for the championship—maybe with a new watch or a trendy trip to Mykonos?

"No, nothing really. I’m staying here until August. I don’t need anything—I’m right here by the ocean…"

…with Finnish beer?

"Actually, I bought German beer. But it’s only 14 degrees right now—tomorrow’s supposed to be the first day it goes above 20. So far, it’s been a terrible summer here. But at least that helps with getting good sleep."