Meet Jamaica Manager: Heimir Hallgrimsson

Heimir Hallgrimsson is not a household name outside of Iceland. He had an unspectacular playing career, and by the age of 17 had become a part-time coach. But in his home country, he is a hero.

Behind Lars Lagerback, Hallgrimsson was the assistant coach during Iceland’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, in which Iceland reached their first major tournament. He reprized his role for the final, where Iceland surprised the world by reaching the quarter-finals, eliminating England in the round of 16.

After Lagerback’s departure, Hallgrimsson was promoted to the top job. He led Iceland to top their World Cup qualifying group (ahead of Croatia) and to their first World Cup final. They were eliminated in the group stage, after which Hallgrimsson resigned from his position, but his achievements ensured his status as a legend of Icelandic football.

And it’s not just practical in the shelter. Unlike most international managers, Hallgrimsson also dedicated himself to a career outside of football during his playing career. With football being an amateur sport in Iceland, he studied dentistry at university and throughout his years played as a player with IBV, Hottur, Smastund and KFS in his home country.

Although he gave up being a dentist by the time of Euro 2016, he made national news when he attended a local women’s match shortly after the tournament and was inspired to return to his old career when a player had his tooth knocked out. While the player was unconscious on the field, he popped the tooth back into place before carrying out the necessary follow-up repairs at a nearby dental office.

Since then, Hallgrimsson’s work to repair the Jamaican national team after a turbulent period under Theodore Whitmore has earned him plaudits across the country.

His defensive philosophy may not always be exciting, but it has stabilized the previously shaky foundations at the heart of Jamaica, making them hard to beat and disciplined. Under the 56-year-old’s leadership, Jamaica is as well equipped to compete as it has been this century.