He officially took over coaching duties on 1 July 2012. In his first game in charge on 3 August 2012, Hertha drew 2–2 with Luhukay's former club Paderborn 07. In the 2012–13 season, Hertha broke the record for the most points in a 2.
He became the head coach on July 1, 2012. In his first game as manager, he drew 2–2 with Paderborn 07, a team Luhukay had previously managed. The following season, Hertha set a record for most points earned in a single campaign.