Born in Sindelfingen, 51-year-old Widmayer knows VfB well after spending five years on the coaching staff of the second team between 2000 and 2005. He went on to enjoy spells as assistant coach at Grasshopper Club Zürich and FC St Gallen, before returning to VfB in 2008 as assistant to first-team head coach Markus Babbel, who held the reins until December 2009. Widmayer has a wealth of Bundesliga experience, having worked as assistant coach at both TSG Hoffenheim and his current club Hertha Berlin.
Michael Reschke, VfB Stuttgart head of sport: "We're really pleased to have brought Rainer Widmayer – our first-choice appointment and an experienced, respected coaching expert – to VfB Stuttgart. Rainer knows VfB very well and brings with him an enormous amount of experience as an assistant coach. His football knowledge and positive character will make him an excellent addition to our coaching team in the near future."
Rainer Widmayer: "After four intense and successful years at Hertha Berlin, it was my wish to return to VfB Stuttgart. It's no secret that I regard VfB as a special club and that I'm looking forward to this exciting challenge. Despite their current position in the table, I have complete faith in VfB's potential and their future prospects."