Middlesbrough have sacked head coach Michael Carrick after two-and-a-half years in charge. And former Leicester City and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is the favourite to replace the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder at the Riverside.
Carrick, 43, made a promising start with Boro, making the playoffs in the 2022/23 season. But the last two seasons have seen the Teesside club finish outside the top six. Carrick’s departure means that, since August 2024, 17 of the 24 teams in the EFL Championship last season have changed manager.
Latest Middlesbrough Next Manager Odds
Steve Cooper has emerged as the early favourite to replace Carrick. Here are the latest odds from Parimatch.
| Next Middlesbrough Manager | Odds |
|---|---|
| Steve Cooper | 13/8 |
| Sean Dyche | 11/4 |
| Rob Edwards | 5/1 |
| Danny Rohl | 8/1 |
| Brian Priske | 8/1 |
| Tom Cleverley | 14/1 |
| Gary O’Neil | 16/1 |
| Steven Gerrard | 20/1 |
| Dave Challinor | 20/1 |
| Jan Dahl Tomasson | 25/1 |
| Odds correct as of 10:30, 05/06/2025. Odds subject to change. |
Let’s take a look at some of the main contenders.
Steve Cooper: Welshman is the Early Favourite
While things did not work out for Cooper at Leicester City, their performances over the remainder of the season suggest that there were mitigating circumstances. He did an outstanding job at Nottingham Forest, taking them from the lower reaches of the Championship to promotion before consolidating in the Premier League.
The 45-year-old knows the division well and has a proven track record. We also think that Cooper could find Middlesbrough to be an attractive project and that this could happen. 11/8 looks to be a fair price.
Dyche Odds Shortening
Sean Dyche has declined offers from Championship clubs in the past, however, a lack of opportunities in the top flight combined with a club of Boro’s stature could make this situation different.
Dyche did a superb job at Burnley and then started well at Everton before things became difficult last season. He was 16/1 with some bookies yesterday and the shortening of the odds suggest that there is some mileage in this one.
Edwards a Strong Contender
Rob Edwards is another manager with a strong pedigree in the Championship having guided Luton Town to promotion in the 2022/23 season. Edwards favours a high intensity pressing game dating back to his successful time at Forest Green and continued during his time with the Hatters.
Despite Luton’s relegation Edwards won many plaudits for his efforts in the Premier League. However, after losing several key players following demotion the Championship campaign was a struggle leading to Edwards losing his job.
Edwards also features highly among the contenders for the Bristol City job. We think that he could be a good fit for Middlesbrough, but the Ashton Gate gig looks more likely.
Cleverley fits the Boro Blueprint
Tom Cleverley was relieved of his duties at Watford at the end of the season. However, the former England and Manchester United midfielder has shown promise and plays an attractive brand of football.
At 35, Cleverley fits the Middlesbrough model of selecting young managers with a modern outlook who have shown potential. There are more likely candidates out there but 14/1 would bring a good return if it came off.
