Nottingham Forest’s 2025-26 Premier League season has descended into turmoil, culminating in the sacking of head coach Sean Dyche after just 114 days on February 12, 2026. The decision followed a frustrating goalless draw with bottom side Wolves at the City Ground, leaving Forest three points above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining. This marks the club’s third managerial change of the campaign—a Premier League first—highlighting instability under owner Evangelos Marinakis as the team fights for survival.
The Final Straw: Draw with Wolves
The Wolves stalemate epitomized Forest’s struggles: 35 attempts without scoring, the most in Dyche’s 351-game managerial career. Frustration boiled over, with Marinakis visibly agitated and fans voicing discontent.
Dyche, speaking pre-sacking, acknowledged realities: “If the owner wants to make a change, that’s up to him… That’s the way football is now.” The result extended a poor run—one win in 10 league games—and sealed his fate.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange recommended dismissal, accepted immediately by the Lewis family ownership (note: article references Marinakis, but recent ownership context aligns with Lewis family involvement in decisions).
Dyche’s Brief and Mixed Reign
Appointed in October 2025 after Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day tenure, Dyche inherited a side in 18th. His Brentford success—promotion and consolidation—made him a steady choice.
Early results impressed: four wins and a draw in seven after an opening loss, lifting Forest from danger. A four-match unbeaten run included victories over West Ham and a draw with Arsenal.
Decline followed: four straight defeats, then inconsistent form. Europa League progress (fourth in group for knockout play-off vs Fenerbahce) offered positives, but domestic cups exits—to Swansea (EFL Cup) and Wrexham (FA Cup penalties)—added pressure.
Dyche’s pragmatic style clashed with squad needs, with injuries and underperforming signings (£180m+ spent) hindering progress.
A Season of Unprecedented Managerial Turnover
Forest’s chaos began early: Nuno Espirito Santo sacked after three matches amid relationship breakdowns. Postecoglou’s high-pressing approach failed spectacularly in 39 days.
Dyche provided temporary stability but could not reverse the slide. The club now seeks a fourth boss, underscoring structural issues.
| Manager | Appointed | Duration | Wins (All Comp) | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuno Espirito Santo | Start of season | ~3 matches | Low | Sacked early; relationship issues |
| Ange Postecoglou | September 2025 | 39 days | Minimal | Ill-fit style; short tenure |
| Sean Dyche | October 2025 | 114 days | 7 in first 12 | Initial lift; eventual sacking |
| Next? | February 2026 | TBD | – | Fourth in one season |
Underlying Issues and Ownership Role
Marinakis’ hands-on approach has drawn criticism. Rapid changes reflect impatience despite seventh-place finish and European qualification last season (Europa League via rules).
Recruitment inconsistencies—missed targets, high spending with limited impact—and injuries exposed squad frailties. Leadership losses (e.g., Daniel Levy’s departure contextually) added uncertainty.
Pundits like Alan Shearer backed Dyche pre-sacking for his relegation expertise, but results overrode.
What Next for Forest?
An interim or short-term appointment may bridge to summer, with high-profile names available post-World Cup.
Relegation looms real despite European progress. Survival demands quick cohesion.
Forest’s season—once promising—now embodies Premier League volatility. Dyche’s exit closes a chapter; the next manager faces immense pressure to salvage it.
