Surprising statements
After almost 20 years: veteran trainer indicates farewell
April 24, 2026 – 10:09 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Frank Schmidt and 1. FC Heidenheim – they have simply belonged together for almost two decades. But now the coach is making people sit up and take notice with new statements.
After almost 19 years as football coach at 1. FC Heidenheim, Frank Schmidt has for the first time announced his departure after his contract ends in 2027. “I will soon be in my 20th season in a row at FCH, which will probably be my last year as coach in Heidenheim,” said the 52-year-old to the “Hamburger Abendblatt” before the Bundesliga basement duel with FC St. Pauli this Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky).
“In the past, I always extended my contract early and long-term. But I didn’t feel that way now,” Schmidt continued. “It wouldn’t have been fair for me to accept the offer and provide myself with personal security.”
The bottom of the table, Heidenheim, would be defeated by the 16th in the table in the event of a defeat. St. Pauli are the first to be relegated this Bundesliga season. However, an early farewell this summer is not an option for Schmidt or the club management.
“Of course I also thought about quitting. If the sporting results are lacking, it would be strange not to question yourself,” said the long-time coach.
“But if the support is there, I’m not one to run away. Neither in the event of success – which I could have done to take the next step – nor in the current situation,” explained Schmidt. “I have the drive to do something good next season in my 20th and final year of contract – whatever that may be.”
