As of September 2025, the honor of being the longest-serving manager in professional football belongs to Frank Schmidt, the head coach of 1. FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga.
Frank Schmidt (FC Heidenheim)
Time served: Over 18 years, having first taken charge in September 2007.
His journey: Schmidt’s story is one of loyalty, consistency, and determination. He took over a small German side playing in the
fifth tier of German football and built them step by step into a Bundesliga club.
His crowning moment came in 2023, when Heidenheim achieved a fairytale promotion to the top flight.
Despite working with limited resources compared to Bundesliga giants, Schmidt has proven himself as one of the most respected
and admired managers in European football.
Other Notable Long-Serving Managers
While Schmidt holds the record globally, several other managers have also shown remarkable longevity in their posts.
English Football League (EFL)
Simon Weaver (Harrogate Town):
Weaver has been in charge since 2009, making him the longest-serving manager across England’s top four divisions.
For much of his reign, Harrogate competed outside of the EFL, but his commitment has been central to the club’s growth and stability.
Nigel Clough (Mansfield Town):
Taking over in November 2020, Clough has provided stability at Mansfield Town.
Though not as long-serving as Weaver, he is among the few who have established long-term managerial runs in the turbulent environment of English football.
Europe’s Top Five Leagues
The constant managerial changes in modern football make long tenures rare, but a few coaches have defied the trend.
Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid):
Appointed in 2011, Simeone has transformed Atlético into a powerhouse,
breaking the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain. He is the second-longest-serving manager in Europe’s top five leagues after Schmidt.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City):
Since taking charge on July 1, 2016, Guardiola has built Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in Europe.
With multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble, his longevity has been secured by consistent success and tactical brilliance.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal):
Arteta’s reign began in December 2019, and while shorter compared to the likes of Simeone or Guardiola,
his leadership has brought renewed stability to Arsenal. Under his guidance, the Gunners have returned to competing consistently at the top of English football.
Final Thoughts
In an era where managerial changes are frequent and clubs demand instant success, the stories of Frank Schmidt, Diego Simeone,
and others stand out as rare examples of loyalty, vision, and long-term planning.
Their achievements highlight that sometimes patience, trust, and consistency can achieve more than quick fixes in football.