Martin Schmidt has left his job as Mainz coach by mutual consent, the Bundesliga club have announced.
The Swiss coach has been in charge of first-team affairs since 2015, but leaves after a season in which they avoided the relegation playoff by goal difference alone, finishing in 15th place with only 37 points.
"The mutually agreed and amicable ending of the relationship took place after a very frank and honest discussion with Martin Schmidt on Sunday evening, which was a consequence of the sporting analysis of the past season and a different perspective of co-operation beyond the contract's expiration in 2018," sporting director Rouven Schroder said.
#Mainz05 have parted company with head coach Martin #Schmidt. More to follow. pic.twitter.com/99DLzyhIqz
- Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) May 22, 2017
"We need a new impetus and a medium-term development perspective, which we have not had during this difficult season, and our joint decision is guided by a clear, professional view of all factors.
"Even though we finish our relationship early, we are definitely in good hands because Martin has done a lot of good work for us in the Bundesliga and almost five years with the under-23s, leaving his fingerprints across the club. We wish him the best for the future."
Schmidt took over as first-team coach following the departure of Kasper Hjulmand in February 2015, having spent the previous five years as coach of the club's reserves.