Norwegian success coach tipped as successor to the elite national team’s shooting coach, Siegfried Mazet, who just dropped the bombshell that he will step down after the 2026 Olympics.

Before the weekend, the shooting coach for the Norwegian men’s national team, Siegfried Mazet, announced that he will resign after the 2026 Olympics. The hunt for a new shooting coach is now underway.

This is confirmed by Norwegian national team manager Per Arne Botnan. He also reveals that the list of potential candidates is not long and that they have already spoken with coaches who are currently in the national team system.

Also Read: Mazet to step down after 2026 Olympics

Bjørndalen is certain

Biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen has no doubt: He believes Norway’s next shooting coach will be Anders Øverby.

The 32-year-old is currently the coach of the recruit national team. He has held that position for the past three years, sending countless athletes from the IBU Cup straight into the top tier of the World Cup.

“Now there should be room to bring in Anders Øverby. I will be very surprised if that doesn’t happen,” Bjørndalen told TV2, where he works as a biathlon expert.

Among the stars who have flourished under Øverby are this winter’s double World Champion Endre Strømsheim, Johan Olav Botn, and the two young talents Martin Uldal and Vebjørn Sørum – the latter two secured spots on the elite national team ahead of this current season.

The athletes themselves are also optimistic about bringing Øverby in as shooting coach.

“That’s probably a sensible name,” says Strømsheim, who would gladly have his former coach back.

The story continues below.

Wants the job

Øverby himself is not surprised that he is being mentioned, based on the results he can show. He also confirms that he is interested in the position.

“Being a coach for the elite team is something I want. A job I would like to do. Whether it’s now or in the future is not for me to decide,” says Øverby.

High expectations

But whoever takes over after Mazet will not have an easy task. The Frenchman has been the coach of the men’s national team for nine years, through the golden era of Johannes Thingnes Bø and Tarjei Bø. Since joining the team in 2016, the Norwegian men have won countless championship medals, both in the Olympics and the World Championships.

Øverby says he is ready to take on the challenge.

“These are enormous shoes to fill. But that’s how it should be in Norwegian biathlon.”

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER