KOI, previously known as MAD Lions KOI, are adjusting their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming LEC season. According to Sheep Esports sources, the Spanish team will bring on Bjørn-Vegar “Hansen” Hansen as Assistant Coach, filling the position previously held by Quentin “Zeph” Viguié. In October, shortly after MAD Lions KOI's elimination from Worlds 2024, Zeph was allowed to explore other opportunities but will remain with the organization as Strategic Coach.

Renowned for his midlane expertise, Zeph's role will focus on optimizing conditions for Joseph Joon “Jojopyun” Pyun—KOI's sole recruit this offseason—to help the team make significant strides. In 2024, the team built a rookie-focused project around jungler Javier “Elyoya” Prades. After a strong Winter Split, likely bolstered by the pre-existing synergies among three players who previously played together on Movistar Riders, KOI struggled in Spring and Summer. With a year of experience behind them and the addition of Jojopyun, the team is returning with ambitious goals.

Mixed results in LEC

Meanwhile, Hansen will aim to revitalize his career following a challenging season with Gentle Mates in 2024. As Head Coach there, he oversaw a tumultuous year in the LFL, where the team’s performance dipped from a miraculous third place in Spring to a disappointing 8th place in Summer. Before this, Hansen proved his value as HC, leading LDLC OL to their third consecutive French Championship title in Spring 2023. However, his track record in the LEC has been less remarkable, with two years as Assistant Coach at Astralis, where the team never finished higher than eighth.

At KOI, Hansen will work alongside Tomás “Melzhet” Campelos, a coach highly regarded for his methods and close rapport with Elyoya. The Head Coach, recruited along with the three Movistar players, is recognized as a prominent figure in European coaching. Hansen’s arrival and Zeph’s reassignment conclude KOI’s offseason preparations, according to Sheep Esports sources.

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