The club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), made the decision to part ways with Dyche less than a month after acquiring Everton from Farhad Moshiri. The Toffees currently sit 16th in the Premier League standings, just one point above the relegation zone, and are winless in their last five matches.
Despite speculation about Mourinho's potential return to England, the Portuguese manager has never been in Everton’s plans. Mourinho is currently managing Turkish side Fenerbahce, a role he took on last summer after being sacked by AS Roma.
Interestingly, AS Roma, like Everton, is owned by TFG. Mourinho ended Roma’s 11-year trophy drought by winning the Europa Conference League in 2022. However, a poor start to his third season led to his dismissal in 2024, and TFG has no interest in reuniting with him. This familiarity with Mourinho is reportedly the reason why TFG ruled him out early in their search for Everton’s next manager.
David Moyes Likely to Return to Goodison Park
Former Everton manager David Moyes has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Dyche. The 61-year-old is available immediately, having been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.
Discussions between Moyes and Everton are set to take place today, January 10, with his appointment appearing highly likely. In the interim, Everton U-18 coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman are serving as caretakers.
Moyes previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013 before departing to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. However, his tenure at Old Trafford lasted just eight months after a disappointing spell.
Dyche Reflects on His Exit
At his final press conference as Everton manager, Sean Dyche addressed his departure candidly. When asked about his future, he said:
“It needs to be looked at closely. At the end of the day, in an organization of this scale, succession planning is part of the process.
I’ve no issue with that—it should be an ongoing part of any football club or any other organization. I’ve never really been concerned about it, but my job is to win matches.
We haven’t done enough of that this season. I need to make sure the team performs as it should and keeps people satisfied. That’s the job, and we haven’t delivered. Ultimately, that’s my responsibility.”
