Werder Bremen Parts Company with Coach Schaaf

Werder Bremen has parted company with Thomas Schaaf, the longest-serving coach in the Bundesliga after spending 14 years with the club.

Werder said Wednesday that the 52-year-old Schaaf was leaving "by mutual agreement" with immediate effect. It didn't immediately announce a replacement.

The announcement follows a lackluster season in which Werder secured its top-flight status only last weekend, with one match left to play.

Sports director Thomas Eichin said the club decided that it wants a "new beginning."

Werder won the 2004 Bundesliga title under Schaaf and was the German Cup winner in 1999, 2004 and 2009.