Four Teams with 15 or More Managers
Managerial changes have become increasingly frequent in modern football. The pressure at the elite level often compels clubs to dismiss a coach in search of a temporary surge in performance, commonly referred to as the ‘new manager bounce.’ It’s much simpler to change coaches than to overhaul an entire squad. The Premier League, in particular, is known for its high turnover, with several managers losing their jobs each season. Just eight matches into the current season, three managers have already been let go. Nottingham Forest is currently on its third permanent manager this season, having appointed Sean Dyche as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, who had recently taken over from Nuno Espírito Santo.
Long-serving managers have become a rarity in English football. The only two current managers in the Premier League who have been at their clubs for over five years are Pep Guardiola of Manchester City (nine years) and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal (five years). Historically, Sir Alex Ferguson holds the record for the longest tenure, serving 21 years at Manchester United, while Arsène Wenger spent 22 years at Arsenal. But which teams exhibit the most and the least loyalty to their managerial staff?
Premier League Teams with the Most Permanent Managers
Surprisingly, Southampton leads the tally for the most permanent managers in the Premier League, having appointed 22 full-time bosses during their 25 seasons in the top flight. Tottenham follows closely in second place, with 19 managers over 34 seasons. Chelsea, known for their volatility in coaching positions, ranks third, having had 18 managers in the same number of seasons.
West Ham is fourth, having had 15 managers across 30 seasons, while Newcastle rounds out the top five with 15 managers in 31 campaigns. Everton also had 15 managers but has been a constant presence, participating in all 34 seasons. Leicester City follows in seventh place with 14 managers in 18 seasons, and Aston Villa is eighth with 14 managers in 31 campaigns. West Bromwich Albion boasts an impressive record with 13 managers in just 13 Premier League seasons. Sunderland closes the top ten with 13 managers in 17 seasons. Below, we spotlight the ‘Big Six’ teams and their respective counts of permanent managers.
Premier League Teams That Provide Managers with the Most Stability
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we examine teams that offer their managers the most longevity in the Premier League. As depicted in the graphic below, Arsenal leads in average tenure per manager, bringing in a new manager every 6.80 seasons. The Gunners have had just five permanent bosses: George Graham, Bruce Rioch, Arsène Wenger, Unai Emery, and the current manager, Mikel Arteta.
Following Arsenal, Manchester United averages a new manager every 4.86 seasons, largely due to Ferguson’s 21-year tenure, after which the club has employed six permanent managers. Liverpool ranks third, averaging a managerial change every 3.78 seasons, while Manchester City sees an average of one new boss every 2.64 seasons. Middlesbrough rounds out the top five with a change every 2.50 seasons.
Conversely, West Brom holds the bottom position, with a new manager introduced every season they’ve participated in the Premier League—13 managers in 13 campaigns. While frequent managerial changes can lead to success—Chelsea, for instance, has employed 14 permanent managers in the last 21 years and captured 19 major trophies during that period—there is undeniable value in allowing a manager time to build and innovate, as evidenced by Arsenal’s recent advancements under Arteta following a challenging start.
