John Heitinga Officially Returns to Premier League Coaching Role

On January 15, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur announced the appointment of John Heitinga as First Team Assistant Coach, joining head coach Thomas Frank's staff amid the club's struggles in the Premier League.[1][2][3] The 42-year-old Dutchman returns to the Premier League after a brief and unsuccessful stint as Ajax head coach, marking a significant move in the ongoing managerial staff reshuffles this January.[1][2][5]

Heitinga, a former centre-back with an illustrious playing career, amassed over 400 club appearances for Ajax, Atlético Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha BSC, alongside 87 caps for the Netherlands.[1][3][5] He began coaching in 2016 with Ajax's youth teams, took interim charge of their senior side in 2023, and later served as assistant at West Ham before joining Liverpool in July 2024.[3][5] At Anfield, he helped Arne Slot's Reds win the 2024-25 Premier League title, but departed for Ajax as permanent head coach in May 2025 on a two-year deal.[1][3][5] His Ajax tenure lasted only six months, ending in dismissal in November 2025.[1]

The role at Spurs replaces Matt Wells, who left in December 2025 for the Colorado Rapids head coach position.[2] Heitinga joins Justin Cochrane, Andreas Georgson, and Chris Haslam in supporting Frank, with a focus on defensive training given his background.[2][3] Thomas Frank praised the addition: “John is a great addition... His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch. As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities.”[1][3]

Tottenham, currently 14th in the Premier League after an FA Cup third-round exit to Aston Villa, faces immediate pressure with Heitinga's debut in a London derby against West Ham on January 17, 2026.[2] This move continues a trend of ex-Liverpool staff at Spurs, following Fabian Otte's summer switch as goalkeeper coach.[1] Heitinga's experience is expected to bolster Frank's setup as Spurs aim to climb the table.[2][3]

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