West Bromwich Albion have begun their search for a new head coach after parting company with Ryan Mason on Tuesday, 6th January 2026.
Mason's Departure and Baggies' Struggles
The club's hierarchy decided to act following a dismal run of form that has left the team languishing in 18th place in the Sky Bet Championship. Under Mason's leadership, Albion managed just nine wins from their opening 26 league matches, suffering 13 defeats. The final straw was a sequence of six losses in the last eight games, prompting the board to dismiss the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
With nearly half of the season remaining, the new appointment will be tasked with salvaging a campaign that has fallen well short of the club's traditional expectation of challenging at the top end of the division. Currently sitting just seven points above the relegation zone, there is a pressing need for improvement to avoid an unexpected battle for survival.
Lee Carsley Emerges as Leading Candidate
Early reports indicate that Lee Carsley is a name under serious consideration at The Hawthorns. According to the Express & Star, the 51-year-old Birmingham-born coach, who currently manages the England Under-21 side, 'has admirers' among the West Brom ownership.
Carsley, who played for city rivals Birmingham City between 2008 and 2010, has built an outstanding reputation in international football. He has led the Young Lions to consecutive European Championship victories, showcasing his tactical acumen and man-management skills. The report suggests Albion's board were proactive in their succession planning and that Carsley is viewed as a 'possible candidate of interest'.
Search for the Right Appointment
It remains unclear whether Carsley would be willing to leave his prestigious role with England for a return to the volatile club scene. He has previously been a caretaker manager for the senior England side and was linked as a potential successor to Thomas Tuchel after the 2024 World Cup, indicating his high standing.
His club management experience is limited to a brief spell at Brentford in 2015 and interim roles at Birmingham City and Coventry City. However, his success with the national youth setup makes him an attractive proposition for Championship clubs. The Express & Star also notes that 'at least one out-of-work boss' is in the frame for the vacancy.
The pressure is now on the West Brom board to make a swift and correct decision. Bringing in the right manager quickly could yet spark a revival and a push up the table, while a misstep could see the club dragged deeper into a relegation scrap.
