The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is in a hurry to find a new Korean assistant coach after Kim Do Heon concluded his tenure with the Vietnam national team following the FIFA ASEAN Cup. Kim's contract was short-term, which he had previously indicated on his personal Instagram account when he joined the coaching staff.

Kim Do Heon began his role on June 21, stepping in for Lee Jung Soo, who left to work in Thailand. His presence was intended to provide additional support to head coach Kim Sang Sik, with whom he shares a close relationship from their playing days.

Following this departure, VFF and Kim Sang Sik must seek another Korean assistant coach to fill the vacancy. This is crucial as the Vietnam national team gears up for the Asian Cup 2027. The new assistant will need time to acclimate to the players and understand the head coach's operational methods and requirements.

Notably, the position of assistant coach has seen frequent changes under Kim Sang Sik's leadership. His first assistant was Choi Won Kwon, who left after winning the ASEAN Cup 2024. He was followed by Lee Jung Soo, and then Kim Do Heon. Thus, Kim Sang Sik is about to work with his fourth assistant coach during his tenure.

The frequent turnover of assistants is linked to the VFF's contract practices. Typically, long-term contracts are reserved for the head coach, while assistants and staff work on short-term agreements, often tied to specific tournaments. When contracts end, negotiations for extensions take place, usually based on the head coach's recommendations.

The Vietnam national team is scheduled to regroup in November for two friendly matches against Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan during FIFA Days. This will be an opportunity to assess the squad ahead of training in Qatar and the Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia early next year. Therefore, stabilizing the support team will facilitate Kim Sang Sik's preparations.