After a turbulent stint as head coach of Ajax, John Heitinga returns to English football. John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga, born November 15, 1983, is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He has recently joined Thomas Frank’s coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur as a First Team Assistant Coach, with the appointment confirmed on January 15, 2026.
Coaching Career CV
Heitinga transitioned into coaching immediately after retiring, primarily building his experience at Ajax before moving to the Premier League:Ajax Youth/Academy Roles (starting ~2016–2021): Began in the Ajax academy, progressing through youth levels and gaining foundational coaching experience.
Jong Ajax (Reserve Team) Manager (June 2021 – January 2023): Managed the U23/reserve side in the Eerste Divisie. Record: 59 matches, 23 wins, 17 draws, 19 losses (≈39% win rate).
Ajax First Team Interim Head Coach (January 2023 – June 2023): Stepped up during a turbulent period. Achieved strong results initially (14 wins in 22 matches, ≈64% win rate), guiding Ajax to 3rd in the Eredivisie (Europa League qualification) and the KNVB Cup final (lost on penalties). Not made permanent.
West Ham United First-Team Coach/Assistant (September 2023 – May 2024): Joined under David Moyes (his former Everton manager). Left following Moyes’ departure.
Liverpool Assistant Coach (July 17, 2024 – ~May/June 2025): Worked under Arne Slot; contributed to Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win. Briefly took interim charge in February 2025 (won 2–0 vs. Newcastle during suspensions).
Ajax Head Coach (appointed May 31, 2026; started 2025–26 season – dismissed November 6, 2026): Returned to Ajax on a two-year deal. Lasted under 6 months (≈15 matches: 5 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses; 33% win rate). Sacked after poor Champions League results (0 points from 4 matches, bottom of league phase).
Tottenham Hotspur First Team Assistant Coach (appointed January 15, 2026 – present): Joins Thomas Frank’s staff. Frank praised Heitinga’s “ability, personality, and character,” highlighting his defensive expertise (as a former centre-back) and experience across top levels.
Heitinga’s CV shows rapid progression from youth/reserve roles to high-profile Premier League and Champions League environments, with a mix of assistant and head coaching experience.
His time in England (West Ham, Liverpool, now Tottenham) has focused on first-team coaching in the Premier League, where he’s worked under successful managers like Moyes and Slot.
Thomas Frank described the appointment as a “great addition” to enhance the staff both on and off the pitch. This comes just months after his Ajax dismissal, providing a quick route back into top-level coaching.