John Heitinga and Jaap Stam reportedly out of PEC Zwolle coaching search
PEC Zwolle’s search for a permanent head coach has suffered another setback, with John Heitinga and Jaap Stam reportedly ruled out of contention. Dutch regional newspaper De Stentor reported on Wednesday morning that neither manager is expected to take charge, leaving the Eredivisie club to continue its search while interim coaches Dennis van der Ree and Maikel van der Werff lead the team.
The news comes two weeks after PEC parted ways with Henry van der Vegt. Van der Ree and Van der Werff have steadied the side in the short term, collecting four points from their last two matches. Their spell has included a memorable 4-1 victory over local rivals Go Ahead Eagles, a result that offered supporters plenty to celebrate but has not ended the club’s efforts to appoint a new permanent manager.
Heitinga reportedly declines the opportunity
Heitinga, the former Netherlands international and Ajax head coach, appears to have been considered as a possible candidate. According to De Stentor, however, his name can now be removed from the list of available coaches for the PEC job. The report does not provide details of any discussions or explain whether Heitinga formally rejected an offer, but its conclusion is clear: he will not be taking charge in Zwolle.
Stam, another former Netherlands international with extensive experience in Dutch football, is also reportedly not in the running. The newspaper says PEC has not approached Stam or Kees van Wonderen. That distinction is significant: while both names may attract attention when a Dutch club is looking for a coach, the report indicates that neither has been part of the club’s direct recruitment process.
Rene Hake was the leading candidate
PEC’s clearest option so far appears to have been Rene Hake, who was reportedly the frontrunner for the vacancy. However, Hake turned down the opportunity, forcing the club to widen its search. His decision leaves PEC needing to identify a candidate willing to take on the challenge, and to assess whether the role offers enough influence and stability to attract an experienced coach.
For supporters following the managerial search, the latest reports make any prediction about PEC’s next appointment difficult. Several well-known names are now said to be unavailable or unapproached, while the club has yet to announce a preferred candidate. The immediate priority is likely to be finding a coach who can work with the existing squad and staff, rather than one expecting to reshape the club’s football operation straight away.
Why the PEC Zwolle job may be a difficult sell
De Stentor points to two practical factors that could make the vacancy less attractive to prospective managers. First, the current coaching staff have only recently joined the setup and have built a positive relationship with the players. Appointing a new head coach could therefore mean asking that person to work with an established group of assistants rather than bringing in a trusted staff of their own.
That arrangement can be workable, but it may limit a new manager’s ability to implement preferred training methods, tactical routines and day-to-day standards. Coaches often rely on familiar assistants to help translate their ideas onto the pitch. At PEC, a candidate may need to balance personal preferences with the value of maintaining continuity for a squad that has already started adapting to its interim leaders.
The second challenge is the transfer calendar. PEC cannot make new signings until the next transfer window opens, which is not expected for another three months. Whoever takes the job would therefore have limited scope to address weaknesses through recruitment in the near term. The successful candidate would need to work with the players already available, while planning carefully for future additions.
Interim coaches provide short-term stability
The recent results under Van der Ree and Van der Werff give PEC some breathing room as the search continues. Four points from two games is a useful return, and the emphatic win over Go Ahead Eagles will have lifted morale around the club. It also gives the interim coaches a strong case for keeping the team organised while the board considers its next move.
Still, a short run of encouraging performances does not necessarily settle the longer-term question. PEC must decide whether to make a swift appointment or take additional time to find a coach whose approach fits the squad, the existing staff and the club’s resources. Rushing the process could create fresh uncertainty, while waiting too long risks leaving the team without a clear permanent leader.
What happens next for PEC Zwolle?
PEC’s next appointment will need to offer more than a familiar name. The club is looking for a manager capable of building on the interim team’s recent momentum, improving performances over the coming months and preparing for the next opportunity to strengthen the squad. Strong communication with the players and coaching staff may be just as important as tactical experience.
For now, Van der Ree and Van der Werff remain in charge as PEC continues its search. Heitinga and Stam are reportedly out of the picture, Hake has declined, and there is no indication that van Wonderen has been approached. Until the club identifies a candidate ready to accept the constraints of the role, the interim coaches will be tasked with keeping results moving in the right direction—and giving PEC supporters reason for optimism amid an unsettled period.
