Paul Frantz

A physical education teacher, he never played as a professional, a fact that did not prevent him from earning his 3rd level manager degree – necessary to coach pro teams in France – as valedictorian in 1958. He was the first manager with no experience as a pro player to do that. After several spells with amateur teams, he was named manager of RC Strasbourg in 1964. He led the Strasbourg team to a good run in the Inter-Cities Fairs cup in 1964–1965 ousting AC Milan and FC Barcelona before falling to Manchester United in the quarter-finals. A year later, he led the Strasbourg side to victory in the Coupe de France, defeating FC Nantes 1–0. The following season, he was in charge of Karlsruher SC and he remains to this date the only French to ever coach a Bundesliga team. Back at Strasbourg in 1968, he occupied several positions including manager of the first team and director of football until 1976. In 1968 as well, he turned down an offer to be manager of the National Team. He also managed FC Mulhouse in 1974.