Austria head coach Berthold to leave after 4 years

INNSBRUCK, Austria (AP) — Austria men's Alpine head coach Mathias Berthold is stepping down and could rejoin the German federation, just weeks after leading the Austrian team to two Olympic gold medals and a third straight overall World Cup title.

"I have decided on personal and private grounds not to extend my contract with the Austrian ski federation," Berthold said in a statement released Monday by the federation. "The last couple of years have been defined by a very high amount of work."

The German ski federation confirmed ongoing talks with Berthold and expected a decision later this week, German press agency DPA reported. Berthold coached the German women's team with Maria Hoefl-Riesch for seven years and led them to three gold medals at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 before switching to Austria.

The Austrian federation said speed coach Burkhard Schaffer is also leaving and that he will join the Canadian team. The federation did not immediately announce successors.

"We won't rush anything," Austria sport director Hans Pum said. "I have several names in mind and I've had some talks already."

Under Berthold, the team won two gold medals — Matthias Mayer in downhill and Mario Matt in slalom — and one silver by Marcel Hirscher in slalom at the Sochi Olympics last month. The team also won eight medals in total at the world championships in 2011 and 2013, while Hirscher has won the overall title for three consecutive seasons.

Berthold took over from Toni Giger in 2010 after the team had failed to bring home any medals from the Vancouver Games.

"It's a pity for me personally because I highly regard him," Pum said. "He has done a great job for the Austrian ski federation over the past four seasons, which I thank him for. I wish him all the best."

Berthold previously coached the Austrian women from 1998-2002 and the U.S. women's technical team in the 2002-03 season.