Beitar Jerusalem Signs Almog Cohen to Upgraded Three-Year Coaching Contract

Beitar Jerusalem owner Barak Abramov has shown strong confidence in coach Almog Cohen by signing him to a new three-year contract shortly after the club's elimination from the Conference League. Cohen, who initially joined Beitar as a sporting director, transitioned to the head coach role this summer by mutual agreement. Last season, under Cohen's professional management and coach Barak Itzhaki, Beitar competed for the championship title against Hapoel Be'er Sheva until the final rounds, a rare achievement in recent years.

Cohen's new contract makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in Beitar's history, with a monthly net salary increase from 55,000 to 75,000 shekels, a roughly 35 percent raise. This salary ranks him fourth in the Israeli Premier League, behind coaches Ran Kojukh, Kenny Miller, and Barak Bachar, who earn about 100,000 shekels monthly. Previously, Abramov offered Itzhaki 70,000 shekels, but Itzhaki demanded 75,000 shekels, contributing to his departure. Employing both simultaneously would have cost the club about 125,000 shekels net per month, so Cohen's contract is also a cost-saving measure.

The contract is fully guaranteed for three years, ensuring Cohen receives his full salary even if dismissed early. Although Cohen serves as head coach this season, his contract is legally classified as a sporting director agreement. This allows him, in coordination with Abramov, to return to the sporting director role in the future or be reassigned there if coaching results falter, ensuring he remains with the club regardless of on-field success.