Sean Dyche Heads the West Bromwich Albion Managerial Shortlist
It’s not every day that you see Sean Dyche stepping into the Championship spotlight after a streak of high-drama at Everton. But here we are—just months after his abrupt exit from Goodison Park, he’s suddenly West Bromwich Albion’s main target for their hot seat following Tony Mowbray’s sacking. West Brom parted ways with Mowbray in the wake of an underwhelming 3-1 loss to Derby County in April 2025, forcing the club to scramble for a manager capable of navigating the stormy seas of yet another relegation battle.
Sources close to the situation, including Birmingham World’s Kurt Leyland, claim Dyche has leapfrogged a shortlist that also features Gary O’Neil and Steve Cooper. That’s notable, considering Dyche’s recent links to seemingly loftier jobs at Leicester City and Rangers not long ago. Why the shift from Premier League to Championship? Simple—opportunity and timing often speak louder than status.
From Premier League Survivalist to Championship Contender
Rewind to Dyche’s post-Burnley days: after his 2022 Burnley exit, the gritty manager tried to hold out for another Premier League job. That maneuver worked briefly, landing him an Everton gig in January 2023. At Everton, Dyche earned serious respect for survival jobs that many thought impossible—not just once, but twice, and one time with a nasty points deduction hanging over the club's head during the 2024/25 season.
Even so, top-flight football is ruthless. A poor run cost Dyche his job in January 2025. Since then, Premier League rumors have swirled, including links to Leicester City, where he was a favorite before the club picked Ruud van Nistelrooy—whose own stint turned out to be a flop. It’s that proven track record in crisis that now makes Dyche a strong contender for Championship clubs on the edge, like West Brom.
His competition? O’Neil, who’s built a reputation for stability, and Cooper, who’s no stranger to high-pressure scenarios. However, West Brom’s leadership seems to believe Dyche’s gritty, up-for-the-fight style is right for a team desperate to steer clear of a drop to League One.
Fans of the Baggies will remember Dyche’s Burnley teams—uncompromising, well-organized, tough to break down. That’s the blueprint West Brom probably needs. There’s real intrigue about whether he’s ready to try and work his Championship magic again, even after a taste of Premier League drama.
Meanwhile, his potential move to West Brom could start another round of speculation at Leicester City, who are still dealing with managerial fallout from their risky recruitment. Dyche’s decisions tend to make waves both above and below the Premier League, so expect plenty of eyes on what comes next.