FC Bengaluru United have retained Nallappan Mohanraj as their head coach for the 2026-27 season, handing him the responsibility of leading the club into a new chapter following their historic qualification for the Indian Football League.
Mohanraj's immediate task will be to guide FCBU through the BDFA Super Division League, before taking charge of the club's maiden campaign at the national level. The upcoming season represents a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-based side as it looks to establish itself among the country's leading football clubs.
The reappointment marks Mohanraj's third stint with FC Bengaluru United. His latest spell began ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and ended with the club securing qualification for the Indian Football
League - a landmark achievement in FCBU's development.
"We are delighted to have Mohanraj continue with FC Bengaluru United. His leadership played an important role in helping us achieve our ambition of qualifying for the Indian Football League last season. More importantly, he understands the culture we are building at the club and our commitment to developing players and building a sustainable football ecosystem in Bengaluru. As we enter an important new chapter, we believe his experience and continuity will be valuable," said Gaurav Manchanda, Founder, Nimida Sports.
FCBU co-owner Debjit Chaudhuri also highlighted the value of continuity ahead of the club's biggest season yet.
"Nallappan knows this team, understands our ambition, and has already been part of a landmark achievement for the club. We're delighted to have him continue leading FCBU. "
For Mohanraj, the focus is now on building upon last season's success rather than looking back at it.
"I'm very pleased to continue with FC Bengaluru United and to be part of this next chapter. Qualifying for the Indian Football League was a special achievement, but the work does not stop there. We have the BDFA campaign ahead of us and then a new challenge at the national level. I'm looking forward to building on what we have achieved and continuing to develop the team and the players," he said.
Mohanraj brings considerable experience to the position. He holds an AFC 'A' Diploma and has previously worked with India's U-19, U-20 and U-23 teams. He also guided Tamil Nadu to the final round of the Santosh Trophy after an eight-year absence.
His playing career included stints with Mohun Bagan, ATK and Chennaiyin FC, while he also represented India at senior level. He was part of the Chennaiyin FC side that won the inaugural Indian Super League title in 2014.
