Stability in coaching is a rare commodity in modern football and the Indian Super League (ISL) has been no exception. But some head coaches have managed to beat the clock. They have not just survived, but thrived across multiple campaigns. They’ve done more than just rack up games; they’ve laid foundations, won silverware and built legacies.

From turning struggling sides into silverware contenders to building teams that punched above their weight, these tacticians have stood tall in a league that has been competitive season after season. And they delivered consistent quality.

With that, we look into the longest-serving head coaches in ISL history that have managed a single club, ranked by the number of games they’ve managed.

1) Ivan Vukomanovic (Kerala Blasters FC) - 67 games

Ivan Vukomanovic was nothing short of a transformative figure for Kerala Blasters. Since taking charge in the 2021-22 season, he not only steadied the ship but propelled the Blasters to heights previously unseen. The highlight was leading the team all the way to the ISL final in his debut season.

Under Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters achieved three consecutive playoff appearances, the first time in the club’s history, turning a team that once struggled into consistent contenders. His calm yet fiery approach earned him respect, and his ability to get the best out of his players spoke volumes. Whether it’s tactical nous or man-management, Vukomanovic will forever be remembered by the Blasters fans.

2) Manolo Marquez (Hyderabad FC) - 65 games

Next up on our list is Manolo Marquez, who managed over 60 games with Hyderabad FC between 2020 and 2023. Marquez’s tenure at Hyderabad FC was about more than just wins; it was about building a legacy. He crafted Hyderabad FC into one of the toughest teams in the league, blending experience with youthful exuberance.

One of the highlights of his time was clinching the ISL Cup in the 2021-22 season, a landmark achievement which was the club’s first ever trophy since their inception in 2019. But it wasn’t just about silverware, Marquez also promoted young players who went on to represent India internationally. He showed that success in the ISL isn’t just about results, but also about nurturing the future.

Interestingly, after leaving Hyderabad FC, Marquez returned to FC Goa in 2023 and has kept up his excellent form, guiding the Gaurs to back-to-back playoff finishes. His knack for turning teams into trophy contenders has become his trademark.

3) Owen Coyle (Chennaiyin FC) - 62 games

Owen Coyle’s ISL journey is one for the storybooks. Taking charge of Chennaiyin FC in 2019-20, he inherited a team struggling near the bottom of the table. What happened next was one of the league’s greatest comebacks. Coyle led the side from the doldrums all the way to the ISL final, almost pulling off a fairytale run.

Coyle’s connection with Chennaiyin FC didn’t end there. He rejoined the club in the 2023-24 season and has been working his magic again, getting the team into the playoffs in the 2023-24 season. His ability to inspire and steady a team in crisis situations has made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the league. Known for his tactical nous and man management, Coyle brings energy and hope wherever he goes.

4) Sergio Lobera (FC Goa) - 56 games

If the ISL had a revolution, Sergio Lobera would be right at the heart of it. Taking charge of FC Goa in 2017, Lobera introduced tiki-taka and possession-based football to Indian audiences like never before. His style wasn’t just effective, it was beautiful to watch.

Under his guidance, FC Goa became one of the most entertaining and fearsome teams in the league. Although Lobera parted ways with the Gaurs during the 2019-20 season, FC Goa went on to win the Shield, becoming the first team ever to do so in ISL history. This achievement also earned them a spot in the prestigious AFC Champions League.

Though Lobera left Goa in 2020, the foundation he set remains strong. Fans still fondly remember those high-tempo matches where FC Goa dazzled under his watch.

5) Antonio Habas (ATK FC) - 51 games

You can’t talk about ISL’s longest-serving and successful coaches without mentioning Antonio Habas. The Spaniard made history by becoming the first coach to win two ISL Cups, both with ATK FC.

Habas guided ATK FC to glory in the very first ISL season in 2014, setting a standard for success. Though he left in 2015, he returned in 2019 and once again steered the Kolkata side to the Cup. His experience, discipline and ability to manage big players on the field earned him a special place in ISL lore.

Though the ISL landscape has changed dramatically since Habas’ early days, his legacy is one of consistent excellence.

6) Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC) - 50 games

Carles Cuadrat’s impact on Bengaluru FC and the ISL is undeniable. Starting as an assistant coach for the Blues, he took over the reins in 2018 and transformed Bengaluru FC into a formidable force.

Cuadrat’s Bengaluru FC were known for their goal-scoring prowess and rock-solid home record. In his debut season as head coach, he led them to the ISL Cup, a major achievement for the club. The following season, Bengaluru FC again made the playoffs under his watch before he departed in 2021.

His tactical discipline and emphasis on teamwork made Bengaluru FC a tough opponent and a fan favorite.

7) Juan Ferrando (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 50 games

Juan Ferrando may not have served the longest in terms of games, but in the time he spent at Mohun Bagan Super Giant, he made a huge impact. Joining midway during the 2021-22 season after moving from FC Goa, Ferrando quickly established himself as a force.

Under his stewardship, Mohun Bagan Super Giant reached the semis in his first season and then won the ISL Cup in the 2022-23 campaign, the club’s first-ever ISL silverware. His time at Kolkata was marked by entertaining football, managing big stars and delivering memorable wins that will be etched in fans’ memories for a long time.

Ferrando left in 2024, but his contribution to the Mariners’ success is unquestionable.