2nd Bundesliga: Frank Schmidt leaves Heidenheim at the end of the season

Frank Schmidt's era as coach of 1. FC Heidenheim will end in the summer after almost 20 years. The Swabian second division soccer team announced that the 52-year-old will no longer extend his expiring contract. According to his own statement, Schmidt informed the FCH CEO, Holger Sanwald, of his decision on Monday. The coach announced that he would first take a break.

»It was impressive how hard the club tried to extend my contract again. In the last few weeks, however, I have come to the decision that it is time to make a decision - also with regard to the FCH's planning ability," explained Schmidt. He had already announced an end to his coaching work in Heidenheim in the spring. But he said it would “probably” be his last season. Now it is clear: Schmidt will actually leave the club.

Sanwald: “A turning point for our entire club”

How long his “break will be and what will happen in my life from July 1st is something I’m not currently thinking about,” said Schmidt. "On the contrary: I'll prohibit myself from doing that until then. Instead, I'll give everything until the last game for our maximum success this season." Over many years on the Ostalb, they "wrote a unique story in German professional football," explained the veteran coach. "But the last chapter isn't over yet."

Schmidt's decision marks "a turning point for our entire club, which will undoubtedly bring about a huge change," said CEO Sanwald, who has worked closely with the coach for years. "What Frank Schmidt has done for our FCH can hardly be described in words." In addition to his sporting development, he also praised Schmidt for the way he set an example for the club's values.

From the top league to the European Cup

Schmidt took over the FCH in September 2007 - initially on an interim basis, then as head coach. He led the Swabians from the fourth to the first league - and at one point even into the Conference League. After three years, Heidenheim was relegated from the Bundesliga last summer. They are currently sixth in the second division. It is unclear who will succeed Schmidt after the season.