Frank Schmidt to leave 1. FC Heidenheim in 2027 after almost 20 years as coach

Announcement and decision

Heidenheim confirmed on Tuesday, 3 November that Frank Schmidt, 52, will leave the 2. Bundesliga club when his contract expires on 30 June 2027. The club said the decision came from Schmidt himself, although it had worked hard to keep him. Schmidt informed board chairman Holger Sanwald on Monday, 2 November. He said the choice had matured over recent weeks, and he wanted the club to have planning certainty early. After nearly 20 years in charge, he is the longest-serving coach in German professional football.

“In recent weeks, however, I came to the conclusion that it is time to make a decision.”

A career built at one club

Schmidt, born in Heidenheim, played for the club from 2003 to 2007. He took over as coach on 17 September 2007, first as interim coach and then as head coach. Under his leadership the club climbed from the fourth tier to the Bundesliga. Heidenheim won the Oberliga title in 2009, the 3. Liga title in 2014 and the 2. Bundesliga title in 2023, which brought promotion to the top flight. In the 2023/24 season the club finished eighth in the Bundesliga and reached the Conference League. The town has about 50,000 inhabitants.

Season and relegation

Heidenheim were relegated from the Bundesliga last summer, and the club kept Schmidt in charge despite the drop. After ten of 34 matchdays the side sits sixth in the 2. Bundesliga with 15 points, four points behind the relegation playoff place. Schmidt said his aim is to give everything for maximum success until the final game of the season. The club's relationship with the coach has lasted for many years, and the decision ends a partnership that Schmidt described as a unique story in German professional football.

What happens next

Heidenheim now has several months to find a successor, and the club named neither a candidate nor a timetable. Schmidt said he will not think about his plans for the period after 1 July until the season is over. He also did not say how long his break will last. The early notice gives the club time to plan, which Schmidt cited as one of his reasons for deciding now.

Club reaction

Sanwald, who has worked closely with the coach for years, called the decision a turning point for the entire club that will undoubtedly bring a huge change. He praised Schmidt's role in the sporting development of the club and said Schmidt had modelled the club's values for others. Sanwald's central comment on Schmidt's achievements was brief.

“What Frank Schmidt has achieved for our FCH can hardly be described in words.”