Radovan Trifunovic named interim head coach
Efes parts ways with head coach Igor Kokoskov
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Anadolu Efes Istanbul announced on Thursday that it has parted ways with head coach Igor Kokoskov. The decision was made after the team lost to AS Monaco by 36 points on Wednesday, which marked the third-worst loss in terms of margin of victory in club history.
In its official statement, the club said: “Anadolu Efes Sports Club has parted ways with Mr. Igor Kokoskov. We thank him for his efforts for our club and wish him success in the next stage of his career. Until our new head coach is appointed, the team will continue its work under the management of Radovan Trifunovic.”
Kokoskov, 53, joined Efes ahead of the 2025–26 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the NBA and European basketball. He made history as the first European-born head coach in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, and guided Slovenia to the EuroBasket title in 2017. Kokoskov previously coached Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the EuroLeague and served as an assistant for several NBA teams, including Detroit, where he won an NBA championship in 2004.
Taking over on an interim basis is Radovan Trifunovic, who has been part of Efes’s coaching staff this season. The Slovenian coach previously led his country’s national team from 2017 to 2020 and worked alongside Kokoskov during Slovenia’s historic EuroBasket triumph. Trifunovic will guide Efes while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Efes is currently tied for 14th in the standings with a 5-8 record, including 3-4 at home.