Christian Streich is stepping down as Freiburg coach after more than 12 years in summer, marking the end of an era, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.
Streich, 58, took charge in January 2012 and led them into the German Cup final in 2022 and into Europe four times. They finished sixth and fifth, respectively in the league in the past two seasons, and are currently placed ninth.
Streich, who grew up near Freiburg, said the time had come to leave after some three decades at the southern German club where he was also a player and youth team coach.
"I have thought about it for a long time and had many conversations, but I believe that after 29 years now is the right time to make room for new energies, new people and new opportunities," he said in a club statement.
"It was already very important to me in the past that I didn't miss the moment when I thought it was right to leave.
"I have had hundreds of extraordinary experiences during my time at Sport-Club. This club is my life and I am grateful for the great affection and support I have received here."
CEO Jochen Saier said that "we regret, but fully respect and understand" Streich's decision.
"Christian's work over the past 12 and a half years as head coach and almost three decades of coaching for our SC was and is as special as the joint decision-making process."
Freiburg said a new coach would be named in due course.
Streich had extended his contract by one year in recent years. He is immensely popular and frequently also speaks out on social issues.
He is the second longest serving coach at the club, with Volker Finke in charge for 16 years 1991-2007, and of the current Bundesliga clubs, with Heidenheim's Frank Schmidt in charge since 2007.
