Taking charge in September 2007, Schmidt transformed Heidenheim by guiding them to the top flight in 2023 and into the Europa Conference League the next season. The club currently sits sixth in the second division following their relegation at the end of last season. Schmidt emphasized that while their shared history is unique, the final chapter of his time with the team has not yet concluded.
Key points
The club attempted to extend Schmidt's contract, but the manager decided to step down to…: The club attempted to extend Schmidt's contract, but the manager decided to step down to take a break.
Schmidt guided Heidenheim from the fourth division into the Bundesliga and eventually the…: Schmidt guided Heidenheim from the fourth division into the Bundesliga and eventually the Europa Conference League.
Following their relegation last season, Heidenheim currently holds sixth place in the sec…: Following their relegation last season, Heidenheim currently holds sixth place in the second-division standings.
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BERLIN, Nov 4 : Heidenheim's Frank Schmidt, Germany's longest serving coach in professional football history, will leave the club after almost 20 years at the end of the season, the second division team said on Wednesday.
Schmidt, 52, took over in September 2007 when they were in the fourth tier, and in 2023 surpassed the previous record of 16 years for the longest serving pro coach in Germany.
"It was truly impressive to see how much effort the club put into securing another contract extension with me," Schmidt said in a statement.
"However, in recent weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to make a decision. After nearly 20 years as head coach at FCH, I simply want to take a break this summer.
"One thing is certain: together, we at FCH have written a unique story in German professional football over many years but the final chapter has yet to be concluded," he added.
Schmidt led the club into the Bundesliga in 2023 and to a Europa Conference League appearance a year later.
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