Grim´s time up as Ajax appoint third coach of 2025-26 season

Dutch giants Ajax have moved on to their third head coach of a hugely disappointing season.

Fred Grim stepped up from the academy to replace John Heitinga in November.

However, Grim oversaw just nine wins from 21 games in charge across all competitions.

In the wake of a 3-1 defeat to Groningen, which left them fifth in the Eredivisie, 24 points behind leaders PSV and at risk of missing out on European qualification, Ajax elected to make another change.

Oscar García will take over Fred Grim’s duties. The head coach of Jong Ajax will, with immediate effect, take charge of Ajax’s first team. Grim will return to his role within the Ajax academy.

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 8, 2026

Garcia has moved up from Jong Ajax, with Grim going back to his role in the academy.

Technical director Jordi Cruyff said: “Fred and I had a conversation about what is best for the club. Together, we agreed that something needs to change.

“He stepped in during a difficult period and has done everything he could. We are grateful to him for that. Oscar will see out the season. The coming months are very important for the club. We still have eight matches to play and we must get the maximum out of them together.”