According to Voetbalzone, Kruys was chosen from multiple candidates, with technical director Peter Maas stating: "We were immediately sold on Rick Kruys. He knows what it's like to compete for prizes in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Rick understands our clear ambition and wants to get started right away." Kruys has expressed his pride at becoming the trainer of NAC Breda, saying: "I'm genuinely proud to be the trainer of NAC. Everyone knows how the club is perceived in the city and by supporters. That fits with me too. My task is to get to work immediately with the technical staff and the squad. Our first match is already on Friday, and I can only look forward to it."
Kruys has a wealth of experience, having led FC Volendam to the Vriendenloterij Eredivisie in 2025. He has also worked as an interim and assistant trainer at FC Utrecht and was responsible at VVV-Venlo, where he reached the Keuken Kampioen Play-Offs. As a player, Kruys had successful spells at Utrecht, FC Volendam, Excelsior Rotterdam, and Malmö FF.
Kruys takes over from Carl Hoefkens, who was sacked on Monday. The club cited a lack of improvement in certain areas as the reason for Hoefkens' departure.