In the world of football, where "long-term projects" often last fewer than 18 months, Frank Schmidt is the ultimate outlier. On September 17, 2023, he officially became the longest-serving manager in the history of German professional football, surpassing Volker Finke’s legendary 16-year stint at Freiburg.
Schmidt has been in charge for over 18 years, a tenure that has seen him become a symbol of loyalty, grit, and tactical consistency.
The Heidenheim Odyssey: From Tier 5 to the Bundesliga
Many fans ask: Have Heidenheim ever been in the Bundesliga? Not only have they made it, but they have thrived.
The Debut: Heidenheim earned their first-ever promotion to the top flight in 2023.
The Record: On the same day Schmidt broke the managerial longevity record in September 2023, his side secured their first-ever Bundesliga win (a 4–2 victory over Werder Bremen).
European Dream: By 2024/25, Schmidt had incredibly guided the club into the UEFA Conference League, where they won their first five matches.
Is Heidenheim the oldest football club?
The "1846" in their name—1. FC Heidenheim 1846—leads many to believe they are the oldest football club in the world.
The Truth: While the parent sports association was founded in 1846, it was originally a gymnastics club.
Association football wasn't introduced to the organization until 1890, and the football department only became an independent entity in 2007. Status: While not the oldest football club, they are one of the oldest sports organizations in Germany.
Frank Schmidt’s Personal Life and Health
Family: Schmidt is a deeply private man who lives in Heidenheim with his wife and two daughters. He famously turned down a more lucrative offer from a larger club in 2021, stating his family's happiness in their hometown was more important than a higher salary.
Salary: Schmidt’s annual salary is estimated at €1.5 million to €2 million. While modest for the Bundesliga, it reflects Heidenheim's sustainable financial model.
The "Neck" and Health Rumors: Schmidt has faced physical challenges due to his intense coaching style. In the past, he underwent surgery to address chronic neck and back issues (specifically a microdiscectomy) caused by years of "sideline tension" and his former career as a physical defender.
The "German Coach at Benfica" Confusion
There is often a mix-up between Frank Schmidt and Roger Schmidt.
Roger Schmidt was the German coach of Benfica until he was sacked in early 2025.
The head coach of Benfica is José Mourinho, who took over from Bruno Lage in September 2025.
Frank Schmidt: The Career Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
| Sept 17, 2007 | Appointed manager of Heidenheim (Oberliga - Tier 5). |
| May 2014 | Promoted to the 2. Bundesliga. |
| May 2023 | Won the 2. Bundesliga title, securing first-ever top-flight promotion. |
| Sept 2023 | Became Germany's longest-serving professional manager. |
| Oct 2025 | Extended his contract through June 2027. |
Fun Fact: The Frank Schmidt Watch
While not a luxury brand like Rolex, there is a "Frank Schmidt Men's Watch"—a stylish, quartz-movement timepiece often found in German boutique stores and online as a tribute to his "timeless" leadership.