Heidenheim head coach Frank Schmidt (52) receives job guarantee even in event of relegation

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In an interview with Germany’s Deutsche-Presse-Agentur, 1. FC Heidenheim CEO Holger Sanwald has guaranteed that Heidenheim head coach Frank Schmidt will keep his job even in the event of Bundesliga relegation. Schmidt is only the second coach to work the FCH bench since the club’s 2006 consolidation. Schmidt (who took over in 2007) closes in on two full decades as the BaWü club’s head coach.

Frank Schmidt’s contract runs until July 2027

The 52-year-old spent the bulk of his playing career with Heidenheim; his hometown club. Schmidt ended his career with the former Heidenheimer SB after four seasons spent helping the team earn promotion from the fifth tier and stabilize in the fourth tier. Schmidt has expressed grave concern that he can’t help his beloved FCH avoid relegation this year, but maintains a positive attitude whenever his players perform up to his standards.

Sanwald’s statement on Schmidt

“Of course [he can remain] if he wants to,” Sanwald told the dpa. “Frank still has a contract valid through the end of next season and we’re fully aware of what we owe him. He’s become an even better coach thanks to the experiences he’s assembled during this season and all the others. The fact that we’re at the bottom of the table isn’t his fault.“

GGFN | Peter Weis