GER - Bauermann to step down as Germany coach after EuroBasket

MUNICH (EuroBasket 2011) - Dirk Bauermann's second stint in charge of Germany will come to an end following this summer's EuroBasket as the coach turns his full attention to Bayern Munich.

The German Basketball Federation have confirmed that on 1 October Bauermann will formally step down from the national team, having agreed a new three-year contract with Bayern Munich.

EuroBasket takes place from 31 August until 18 September. 

Bauermann, 53, took over as Bayern coach last year, and immediately guided them to promotion to the Bundesliga.

The move will bring to an end his long association with the national team, of which he has been coach since 2003.

This is his second stint in charge as he also led the German side at the 1994 FIBA World Championship.

"With our agreement, we have ensured that Bayern Munich's success can be continued," said DBB president Ingo Weiss after talks were held with the club over the deal.

"I would like to formally commend the commitment of Bayern Munich, in particular president Uli Hoeness and vice president Bernd Rauch, and I am quite sure that this project will be important for basketball in Germany and very special for Bayern Munich."

However, the deal will see the door left open for Bauermann to return if Germany qualify for the 2012 Olympics, as consultations will be held in September should that happen.

In his second stint with Germany, his greatest success was a runners-up place at the 2005 EuroBasket, followed by eighth place at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and fifth at the 2007 EuroBasket.

Germany finished 10th at the 2008 Olympic Games and 11th and EuroBasket 2009.

They came in 17th at last year's FIBA World Championship.

FIBA