Heidenheim legend Frank Schmidt announces shock departure
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Heidenheim have confirmed that Frank Schmidt's remarkable spell as head coach will come to an end next summer.
The 52-year-old has decided against extending his contract beyond June 2027, bringing an end to one of the longest managerial reigns in German football.
In a club announcement, it was confirmed that Schmidt informed Heidenheim CEO Holger Sanwald of his decision during a personal meeting on Monday, despite the club's efforts to convince him to stay.
Explaining his decision, Schmidt said he had been considering his future for several weeks and wanted to give Heidenheim sufficient time to plan for his successor.
"After almost 20 years as head coach of FCH, I simply want to take a break," Schmidt explained in a statement released by the club.
The German coach insisted he had made no plans for what comes next, with his immediate focus remaining on the rest of the campaign.
He added that he was determined to give everything until the final game of the season, insisting that Heidenheim's "last chapter is not over yet."
Schmidt took charge of his hometown club in September 2007, initially on an interim basis, when Heidenheim were playing in the fifth tier of German football.
What followed was a remarkable rise through the divisions, culminating in promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in 2023.
Under Schmidt, Heidenheim went on to qualify for European football in their debut Bundesliga campaign, competing in the UEFA Conference League the following season.
Although their three-year stay in the top flight ended with relegation earlier this calendar year, Schmidt remained in charge for a 20th consecutive season.
Sanwald described the decision as "a turning point for our entire club" and admitted that Heidenheim's remarkable progress would not have been possible without Schmidt.
The Heidenheim CEO also confirmed that the club would now begin its search for a successor, having unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Schmidt to extend his stay.
The Swabian side currently sit sixth in the 2. Bundesliga, although they have gone five competitive matches without a victory following Saturday's 2-1 defeat in Baden against Karlsruhe.
Schmidt's side return to action against Hannover on Sunday, with 24 league matches remaining before one of German football's most extraordinary managerial partnerships comes to an end.
