Nottingham Forest has appointed Sean Dyche as its new head coach. The announcement, made on 21 October 2025, follows the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, whose tenure lasted just 39 days, and marks Forest’s third managerial change of the campaign.
Dyche, aged 54, arrives on a contract that runs through to the summer of 2027. His appointment is being hailed as the most stable and pragmatic option available to the club at a time when they are perilously positioned in the bottom tier of the Premier League table and still involved in European competition.
Nottingham Forest’s internal statement described Dyche as “a respected and experienced Premier League manager” who brings “the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement” to guide the club through its next chapter. The club also pointed to his previous connection with Forest as a youth player and local resident, saying he “also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters.”
Dyche’s appointment comes at a moment of urgency for Forest. The club currently sit 18th in the Premier League with just five points from eight games.
Their most recent defeat, a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea F.C., triggered Postecoglou’s dismissal minutes after the final whistle, the shortest reign of any permanent Premier League manager sacked mid-season.
This will be a familiar type of challenge for Dyche, who has a record of steadying troubled clubs. His most notable managerial spell came at Burnley F.C. from 2012 to 2022, where he achieved two promotions from the Championship, solidified the club in the Premier League, and guided them into European qualification for the first time in over half a century.
He most recently managed Everton F.C., leaving there in January 2025 after a difficult spell.
Forest’s hierarchy believe that Dyche’s defensive stability and experience in the Premier League made him the strongest candidate available, especially given the tactical changes and upheaval the squad has already been through this season. The club weighed other high-profile options such as Roberto Mancini and Marco Silva, but judged Dyche’s accessibility and track record to be more appropriate for the immediate task.
The appointment also brings Dyche’s trusted coaching team with him: former Forest players Ian Woan and Steve Stone will join the backroom staff, both having history with Dyche and the club itself.
In speaking following his appointment, Dyche said, “I am delighted to be back at this great club, one in which I started out as a youth player, and my first objective is to bring discipline, drive and results to our squad and our supporters.” He added that he understood what the supporters and the city expect, given his local connection, and promised to reward their faith with hard work and stability.
From Forest’s perspective, the decision signals a clear shift in direction. After last season’s relative success — finishing seventh and securing European football — the early months of this campaign have been marked by turbulence: the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo in September, the hiring of Postecoglou and his short stint, and now the introduction of Dyche.
For Dyche personally, this appointment offers a second chance in the Premier League after leaving Everton. It allows him to return to his roots at Forest and to apply the managerial philosophy that made his name: tough defence, clear structure, and a strong team ethic.
As he prepares for his first match in charge – a Europa League fixture against FC Porto – Dyche’s immediate task is formidable: to lift a club under pressure, galvanise the squad, win games and build momentum.