Huiberts, 54, took control of the club's football operations in 2016 and has led the club to sporting heights. During Huiberts' tenure in Alkmaar, AZ have been a constant factor in European competitions, and the club's under-19 team won the UEFA Youth League in 2023 and
Huiberts and AZ have completed the 17 most expensive outgoing transfers in club history. Since the summer of 2016, AZ have sold players for a total of €333.2 million during his time in Alkmaar, making for a transfer profit of €245 million.
"I feel that after eleven wonderful but intense seasons, it is time to pass on the baton this summer," Huiberts said in a club statement.
"This role requires complete, 24/7 dedication, and I feel that after this season, the time has come to enjoy other things as well. I am doing so with peace of mind and great pride in what we have achieved together. Thanks to its many pleasant and skilled professionals, AZ are a wonderful club with a strong foundation and a promising future."
A move to a different club, like Ajax who are looking for a new technical director, is not in Huiberts' plans for the near future: "I have noticed that after more than ten years in this demanding role, I feel the need to spend more time with my family in the near future and to take a step back from the world of football after this season."
Loyalty to AZ
Renée Neelissen, chairman of the club's Supervisory Board, praised Huiberts for his loyalty to the club.
"Of course, you want a long-lasting and successful relationship to continue indefinitely, but we know better than anyone how intense the past few years have been," said Nelissen.
"It is remarkable that Max has remained loyal to the club throughout all these years. The success of recent years has not gone unnoticed, of course, and Max has had several opportunities to move on. However, he has always put the long-term interests of AZ first."
