Michael Carrick has only led Manchester United for a few months but has quickly affirmed his position after helping the "Red Devils" win a ticket back to the Champions League. That achievement helped the English strategist sign a long-term contract with the board of directors.
However, in the Premier League, a long-term contract does not mean that the coaching seat is guaranteed. In fact, very few strategists complete their contracts completely before being sacked or transferred to another team.
The summer of 2026 witnessed up to 8 Premier League teams changing coaches. Most recently, Newcastle, where Eddie Howe left the team after nearly 5 years of attachment, made Carrick unexpectedly become the 10th most senior coach in the league despite only coaching about 20 matches.
Safe" coaching team
Carrick is considered one of the coaches with the most solid position after an impressive start with Man United. Similarly, Mikel Arteta, who just helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. It would be a big shock if the Spanish strategist leaves Emirates in the near future.
Regis Le Bris and Unai Emery are also in the safe group after respectively helping Sunderland compete successfully and Aston Villa win the Europa League championship.
Frank Lampard, who brought Coventry City to promotion to the Premier League, has just had his contract extended, while Roberto De Zerbi also received trust after his first season with Tottenham.
Newly appointed coaches such as Marco Rose, Alvaro Arbeloa, Andoni Iraola, Pierre Sage or Enzo Maresca are also likely to have enough time to build a team before being judged.
The chairs are starting to "heat up
Despite just taking over Chelsea, Xabi Alonso still faces significant pressure due to the tradition of very quick coach changes of the Stamford Bridge team. If The Blues starts not as expected, the Spanish strategist could completely become the focus of criticism.
Gary O'Neil is also in a similar situation after replacing Kieran McKenna at Ipswich. The club's board of directors is expected to be patient, but the poor performance at the beginning of the season may force them to consider changes.
Fabian Hurzeler and Keith Andrews are also not really sure about their positions. Although they both had quite positive seasons with Brighton and Brentford last season, the pressure of achievements in the Premier League is always very high and just a series of disappointing matches is enough to shake the coaching chair.
Highest risk of job loss
In the group facing the biggest risk is David Moyes. Everton disappointed last season and if they continue to start slowly, the Scottish strategist could become the first coach to be sacked.
Daniel Farke is not much better either. Despite helping Leeds United return to the Premier League, his future is still constantly questioned as the board of directors has considered finding a replacement. A bad start could cost Farke.
Sergej Jakirovic is also under great pressure. Despite bringing Hull City up, this team is known for being impatient with coaches and willing to change if the results do not meet expectations.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner cannot be reassured at Nottingham Forest either. The coaching chair at City Ground is always considered one of the most precarious positions in the Premier League. If Forest does not improve their form right from the first rounds, the Austrian strategist risks becoming the next victim of the Premier League sacking spiral.
