Coaching Staff Update – John Heitinga | OneFootball

We are delighted to welcome John Heitinga to the Club as First Team Assistant Coach, joining Thomas Frank’s coaching staff.

John began his coaching career in 2016 following retirement as a player, working with Ajax’s youth teams and took interim charge of the Dutch giants’ senior side in January, 2023, for the remainder of the season.

Ahead of the following campaign, he joined West Ham United as a First Team Assistant before being appointed as Liverpool’s Assistant Coach in July, 2024, helping the Reds to the Premier League title last term.

Most recently, he departed Merseyside and returned to Ajax to become Head Coach in May, 2025.

As a player, John made more than 400 club appearances for Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Everton, Fulham and Hertha BSC. In addition, the former centre-back earned 87 caps for the Netherlands and represented his country at numerous major tournaments.

Head Coach Thomas Frank said: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.

“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”