NOTTINGHAM, 12 February 2026 – Nottingham Forest have officially sacked head coach Sean Dyche on Thursday morning, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure at the City Ground that lasted just 114 days. The decision follows a goalless draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, a result that failed to alleviate the club’s growing relegation fears.
Midnight Dismissal at the City Ground
The announcement of Dyche’s exit came at approximately 12:30 am on Thursday, only hours after the final whistle against Wolves. Despite Dyche’s post-match comments suggesting he was working hard to move the club in the right direction, owner Evangelos Marinakis opted for a change in leadership. The club released a brief statement confirming that Dyche had been “relieved of his duties” effective immediately.
Dyche, a former Forest academy player, was appointed on 21 October 2025, with the hope that his “no-nonsense” approach and Premier League experience would stabilise a struggling squad. However, his return to Nottingham was marred by inconsistent form, including a pair of heavy defeats in December against his former employers, Everton.
A Difficult Tenure
During his 17 Premier League games in charge, Dyche managed to secure 21 points. While some supporters argued this was not “relegation form,” the lack of tactical evolution and a perceived “meek” performance in a recent 3-1 loss to Leeds United placed him under immense scrutiny. Public sentiment had begun to turn, with some fans labelling his style “Dycheosaurus” in reference to his traditional tactical preferences.
The club is now reportedly looking for a swift replacement, with Marco Silva and Kieran McKenna among the names linked to the vacancy as Forest looks to secure their top-flight status for another season.
Sean Dyche: Managerial Profile & Career Stats
Known for his preference for a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation and an emphasis on defensive organisation, Dyche remains one of the most experienced English managers in the modern era.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sean Dyche |
| Date of Birth | 28 June 1971 |
| Age | 54 |
| Preferred Formation | 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1 |
| Total Managerial Games | 581+ |
| Career Win Percentage | ~34.57% |
| Notable Clubs Managed | Burnley, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Watford |
Managerial Timeline
- Burnley (2012–2022): His most successful period, leading the Clarets to two promotions and European qualification.
- Everton (2023–2025): Sacked in January 2025 with the club in 16th place.
- Nottingham Forest (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026): Lasted 114 days before being dismissed following a draw with Wolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sean Dyche sacked by Nottingham Forest?
Dyche was dismissed following a run of poor results, culminating in a 0-0 draw against Wolves and a 3-1 loss to Leeds. Owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly lost faith in Dyche’s ability to steer the club away from the relegation zone.
How long was Sean Dyche in charge of Nottingham Forest?
His tenure lasted exactly 114 days, beginning on 21 October 2025 and ending on 12 February 2026.
What is Sean Dyche’s preferred tactical style?
Dyche is traditionally known for a rigid 4-4-2 system focusing on direct play, defensive discipline, and set-piece efficiency. During his time at Forest, he also utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Who is the favourite to replace him?
Early reports suggest Nottingham Forest are interested in Marco Silva, though the club has not yet made an official announcement regarding a successor.