Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United head coach, ending a hugely influential five-year spell at St James’ Park.
The 48-year-old leaves after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that saw the Magpies finish 12th in the Premier League and miss out on European qualification.
Despite a difficult final season, Howe transformed Newcastle during his tenure.
After taking charge in November 2021, he guided the club away from relegation danger, secured Champions League qualification twice, and led the Magpies to Carabao Cup glory in 2024-25 – ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
In a statement, Howe said: “After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role.”
After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul to this club, I feel it is in the best interests of both myself and Newcastle United to step away, recharge and take a break.
It has been the privilege of my lifetime to be the manager of this football club.”
Newcastle confirmed the search for a new head coach is already at an advanced stage, with German manager Matthias Jaissle emerging as the leading candidate to replace Howe.
Howe’s backroom staff, including Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and head of performance Dan Hodges, will also leave the club.
His final game in charge was a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful managerial reigns in Newcastle United’s modern history