Thomas Frank has been sacked as Tottenham Hotspur head coach after eight months in charge, the club confirmed on Saturday 11 February 2026. The 52-year-old Dane leaves Spurs 14th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation zone, having secured only two wins from 17 league matches this season. The decision follows Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, a result that extended a winless run and intensified pressure on the head coach. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Tottenham are already working through various contingency plans to appoint a permanent successor.
Frank arrived from Brentford in June 2025 on a three-year deal but struggled to translate his organised, possession-based style to Tottenham’s higher expectations. Defensive fragility and a lack of attacking cutting edge proved recurring issues, with the team failing to build on last season’s Europa League success under Ange Postecoglou. His win percentage in the Premier League stands at just 26.9%, the lowest of any modern Spurs manager, and the board deemed the domestic slide unsustainable with the north London derby against Arsenal approaching in 12 days.
Immediate Market Reaction on Next Manager Odds
The sacking has triggered immediate movement in the next permanent manager market. The latest Tottenham next permanent manager odds show a significant tightening around several high-profile candidates. Former Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has emerged as a surprise early favourite for the interim role, while longer-term options include familiar names with Premier League experience and ambitious overseas coaches. The market reflects Spurs’ desire for a swift appointment capable of delivering immediate stability while aligning with the club’s long-term vision of sustainable success and attacking football.
Among the leading contenders, names with Premier League pedigree are prominent due to the need to hit the ground running in a relegation-threatened campaign. Managers with prior Tottenham connections or those who have succeeded in high-pressure environments are also attracting support. The odds have shortened considerably on candidates who can offer tactical flexibility and man-management skills to unify a squad that has lacked cohesion in recent months. European coaches with experience of working with star players remain in the frame, though the board is likely to prioritise someone familiar with English football’s intensity and demands.
Strategic Context and Appointment Priorities
The sacking marks Tottenham’s second managerial change in less than a year and reflects chairman Daniel Levy’s willingness to act decisively when results threaten the club’s Premier League status and commercial objectives. The new appointment will inherit a squad in need of confidence and cohesion, particularly in defence and attack, with the January window having provided limited reinforcement. The priority will be a coach who can deliver short-term results to avoid a relegation battle while laying foundations for a more consistent challenge in future seasons.
Financially, the decision carries implications for compensation and the wage bill, but the club are prepared to invest in the right candidate to turn the campaign around. The north London derby against Arsenal represents an early litmus test for the interim or incoming manager, with the outcome potentially shaping early perceptions of the new era. Tottenham’s hierarchy will be looking for a profile that combines tactical nous with strong man-management and the ability to work within the club’s recruitment model.
Looking Ahead to the Managerial Market
The next few days will be crucial in identifying the shortlist and determining whether Tottenham opt for an interim solution or move quickly for a permanent appointment. The market remains fluid, with several high-profile names yet to be formally linked but expected to attract attention once the parameters of the role become clearer. The sacking of Frank ends a tenure that promised much but ultimately failed to deliver in the league, leaving Spurs at another crossroads. The identity of the next manager — and their ability to steady the ship — will go a long way towards defining the remainder of the 2025-26 season and the club’s trajectory beyond it.