Kirchhoff was the other main candidate and because he was considered a superior teacher to Helmholtz he was offered the post. However, when Kirchhoff decided not to accept Helmholtz was in a strong position.
Kirchhoff ay ang iba pang mga pangunahing kandidato at dahil siya ay itinuturing na isang guro upang higit na mahusay Helmholtz siya ay inaalok ang mga post. Gayunman, kapag nagpasya Kirchhoff hindi tanggapin Helmholtz ay sa isang malakas na posisyon.