Ajax Sacks Head Coach John Heitinga

Ajax Amsterdam has officially dismissed its head coach, John Heitinga. The decision follows a period of poor results and four consecutive major defeats in the Champions League. The club confirmed the move on November 6, pointing to a disappointing start to the 2025-26 season.

Fred Grim will step in as the interim coach. Assistant coach Marcel Keizer has also been relieved of his duties. Additionally, Technical Director Alex Kroes has indicated that he might resign before the end of his contract if a suitable replacement can be found. Currently, Ajax is in fourth place in the Eredivisie league but is last in its Champions League group.

Heitinga is a former Ajax player and a young coach. He returned to the club this season following stints as an assistant coach at West Ham and Liverpool. His tenure was troubled by poor performances, including a notable 3-0 home loss to Galatasaray.

There are also rumors about the potential return of former manager Erik ten Hag. Speculation suggests that ten Hag, who was recently let go from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, might be considered for the head coach position at Ajax.