Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe steps down after nearly five years

By Liam Tremblay — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Howe’s Departure from St James’ Park

Eddie Howe has stepped down as head coach of Newcastle United, concluding a tenure of nearly five years. His departure follows a season where the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League, a result Howe described as disappointing. The club has indicated that the search for a new head coach is already at an advanced stage, with German coach Matthias Jaissle reportedly a leading candidate for the position.

Howe expressed that his decision to step away was made after a period of personal reflection, believing it to be in the best interests of both himself and the club. He cited the need to “recharge and take a break” after dedicating significant energy to the club. He also noted the difficulty of the decision, but felt it was the correct one in his heart, calling his time as manager a “privilege of my lifetime.”

Accompanying Howe in his departure are several key staff members, including coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone, alongside head of performance Dan Hodges. Howe’s final match in charge was a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly at Ashton Gate.

Achievements and Challenges During Howe’s Tenure

Howe took the helm at Newcastle United in November 2021. In his initial season, he guided the Magpies to an 11th-place finish. Under his leadership, the club achieved Champions League qualification on two separate occasions, and notably secured the Carabao Cup in the 2024-25 season. This marked the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years, a significant milestone for Newcastle.

During the 2022-23 season, Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, repeating this achievement in the 2024-25 season. The club also reached the knockout phase of the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, where they were eliminated by Barcelona in the last 16. Despite these successes, the team lost 17 of their 38 Premier League games last season, failing to secure European football for the upcoming season.

Howe reflected on his time, highlighting the rapid progression from battling relegation in his first season to experiencing memorable nights in the Champions League at St James’ Park. He emphasized the unity within the club during this period, creating a formidable force on the pitch. These memories, he stated, will be cherished for life.

Club’s Reaction and Future Outlook

David Hopkinson, Newcastle United’s chief executive, expressed his disappointment at Howe’s departure but conveyed immense gratitude for his contributions over the past four-and-a-half years. Hopkinson acknowledged Howe and his staff for their “outstanding service and leadership,” stating they have earned a lasting place in the club’s history. He extended thanks on behalf of the owners, board, players, staff, and supporters, wishing Howe and his family success and happiness.

Ross Wilson, the sporting director, also thanked Howe and his staff, recognizing Howe’s dedication to the players, staff, and supporters. Wilson noted the support, trust, and partnership Howe demonstrated during their collaboration, adding that Howe leaves with the respect and admiration of everyone who worked alongside him.

The club faces a period of transition, having lost two key midfielders this summer: Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. Additionally, Arsenal is reportedly pursuing captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has indicated a desire to join the Premier League champions. Last summer, Newcastle invested approximately £240m in new players, though Howe reportedly faced frustration when Alexander Isak’s transfer concluded with the striker joining Liverpool for a reported £125m.

Despite these changes, Howe remains positive about the club’s future, stating that it is in capable hands with a strong leadership team. He expressed confidence that the club, along with his successor, will continue to achieve success on the pitch. The club has confirmed that an update regarding the new head coach will be communicated shortly.

Source: bbc.com