Khalid Jamil is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as he prepares to take charge of the Indian national team, while also parting ways with Jamshedpur FC. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Jamil as the head coach on August 1, making him the first Indian to hold the role since Savio Medeira in 2012.

Negotiations between Jamil and the AIFF concluded with a two-year contract, including a possible one-year extension based on performance, particularly linked to India's qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Jamil's appointment comes after Manolo Marquez stepped down from the position. The AIFF's executive committee chose Jamil following a recommendation from the technical committee, led by former India captain IM Vijayan. Dronacharya Award winners Bimal Ghosh and Armando Colaco, advisors to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, also supported Jamil over other candidates like Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic.

Jamil, who holds an AFC Pro coaching license since 2015, brings a wealth of experience from managing over 200 I-League games with clubs like Mumbai FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan. He notably led Aizawl FC to an I-League title. He is also the only Indian coach to have guided a team to the ISL playoffs.

Jamil's tenure with Jamshedpur FC will end soon, with a mutual agreement reached for his release. Despite being under contract until June 2026, Jamshedpur FC agreed to let him pursue his "dream assignment" with the national team. A senior official acknowledged the challenge this poses for Jamshedpur FC, especially since it comes shortly after the pre-season began and while the team is in the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup. Jamshedpur FC won all three of their group stage matches in the Durand Cup. The club will appoint an interim coach to fill the void.

Jamil's immediate focus will be on the national camp scheduled to begin in Kolkata on August 15. He has received a list of players from the previous three international games to help him prepare a shortlist. His first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025, where India will face Tajikistan (Aug 29), Iran (Sept 1), and Afghanistan (Sept 4). Jamil's first competitive match as head coach will be an Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on October 9.