Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur sacked head coach Thomas Frank after eight months in charge, following an eight-game winless run in domestic competitions, including a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
- Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in June 2025, leaves Spurs six points above the Premier League relegation zone, in 16th place after 26 matches, and out of all domestic cup competitions.
- The club hierarchy gave Frank time to turn around the “supertanker,” as he described it, but poor results, including derby defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal in November, led to his dismissal [query context].
- Unlike at Brentford, where Frank successfully punched above their weight, his approach failed to scale at Tottenham, leading to fan dissatisfaction and chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the Newcastle match.
- Tottenham plan an interim manager for the remainder of the season before a permanent appointment in summer; Johnny Heitinga, recently appointed assistant, is a sensible interim option.
- Igor Tudor is mentioned as a potential interim, though not a former coach.
- Potential former coaches include Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Ryan Mason, Jermain Defoe, Gus Poyet, Mauricio Pochettino, and Johnny Heitinga, familiar with N17 to unite fans and spark improvement amid injuries.
- Club statement: “Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed… However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary”.
- Fanbase tension is rising with a potential relegation scrap; new coach faces huge task due to injuries and directionless leadership [query context].
- Roberto De Zerbi and others linked, but focus on ex-Spurs figures for populist approach.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) February 14, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with head coach Thomas Frank after a dismal eight-month tenure marked by a winless Premier League run, leaving the club scrambling for a replacement amid relegation fears.
- Key Points
- Why Was Thomas Frank Sacked by Tottenham?
- Who Is the Interim Manager at Tottenham?
- Could Harry Redknapp Return to Tottenham?
- Is Tim Sherwood a Viable Option for Spurs?
- What About Ryan Mason’s Tottenham Prospects?
- Would Jermain Defoe Coach Tottenham Again?
- Might Gus Poyet Come Back to N17?
- Is Mauricio Pochettino Eyeing a Spurs Return?
- How Does Johnny Heitinga Fit Tottenham’s Plans?
- What Challenges Face Tottenham’s Next Coach?
- Who Else Is Linked to the Tottenham Job?
- When Will Tottenham Appoint a Permanent Boss?
The decision, announced on Wednesday following a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United, ends Frank’s time at the club where he replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer. Spurs sit six points above the drop zone in 16th place, out of cup competitions, with fans growing restless.
Why Was Thomas Frank Sacked by Tottenham?
Thomas Frank’s dismissal came after an eight-game winless streak in domestic matches, culminating in Tuesday’s defeat that extended their poor form. As reported by Telegraph Sport, the board deemed his position untenable despite earlier support, with chief Vinai Venkatesham witnessing fan chants demanding his sacking.
Frank himself had claimed confidence in his role just hours before, but results spoke louder, including dropped points against Burnley and losses to Manchester United. In Tottenham’s official statement, they noted:
“The decision has been made to change the Men’s Head Coach position, and Thomas Frank will depart today… We thank him for his contributions”.
His success at Brentford, guiding them to the Premier League, did not translate, as Spurs hierarchy realised too late after November derby losses to Chelsea and Arsenal.
Who Is the Interim Manager at Tottenham?
Tottenham are set to appoint an interim boss this weekend before a summer permanent hire. Johnny Heitinga, who joined as assistant three weeks ago, makes sense for the role, given his experience at Ajax and familiarity with the squad.
As per ESPN sources, Heitinga is well-placed amid Frank’s descent. Igor Tudor has been linked as interim, though Marseille also eye him. The hierarchy lacks clear direction, with injuries compounding issues.
Could Harry Redknapp Return to Tottenham?
Harry Redknapp, one of Spurs’ most accomplished managers, guided them to Champions League qualification from 2008-2012. At 78, the ex-Birmingham City boss has not ruled out a return, telling Sky Sports: “I would want the Tottenham job. Could I do it? Of course I could. They have got my number”.
As detailed by football.london, Redknapp could rescue Spurs alongside younger coaches. His legacy alongside Pochettino appeals to unite a tense fanbase.
Is Tim Sherwood a Viable Option for Spurs?
Tim Sherwood, former Tottenham midfielder, was appointed head coach in 2013 until 2015, succeeding Andre Villas-Boas mid-season. BBC Sport reported Levy’s reluctance for mid-season change but necessity due to poor results.
Though not recently linked, his technical coordinator role then positions him as familiar for interim stability.
What About Ryan Mason’s Tottenham Prospects?
Ryan Mason, ex-Spurs player, has served two interim spells, most recently after Jose Mourinho and Cristian Stellini. The New York Times noted his desire for the permanent job, with mixed results but high goal tallies.
His internal reputation grew despite eighth-place finish; he envisions head coaching at Tottenham.
Would Jermain Defoe Coach Tottenham Again?
Jermain Defoe, fan favourite and ex-player, has academy coaching experience at Spurs. football.london reported Harry Redknapp contacting him:
“Am I to see you on the line?”
Defoe replied,
His return would resonate with supporters seeking unity.
Might Gus Poyet Come Back to N17?
Gus Poyet, former Spurs midfielder, managed in the past though details sparse in recent coverage [query context]. Listed among ex-men for interim by football.london.
Is Mauricio Pochettino Eyeing a Spurs Return?
Mauricio Pochettino, ex-head coach, expressed desire to return, telling Sky Sports in March 2025 he would like to. On High Performance Podcast, he said winning Europa League under Postecoglou was “commendable, yet falls short”.
football.london sources indicate backup plans amid his USMNT World Cup focus. Fans chanted his name during Newcastle game.
How Does Johnny Heitinga Fit Tottenham’s Plans?
Johnny Heitinga, current assistant, joined recently post-Ajax sacking. ESPN highlights him for interim, leveraging Ajax stint.
His West Ham and Liverpool assistant roles add pedigree.
What Challenges Face Tottenham’s Next Coach?
The replacement inherits injuries, relegation scrap, and divided leadership [query context]. Unlike Frank’s failed scale-up from Brentford, a familiar face must ignite upsurge.
As Al Jazeera reported, scrutiny mounted after Galatasaray-like home woes, though at Spurs. ESPN lists De Zerbi interested, but ex-coaches offer populist unity.
Interim like Heitinga stabilises, but permanent must navigate top-flight pressures. Standard notes shying from rush.
Spurs’ statement underscores commitment turned necessity. Frank’s dedication praised, but “outcomes and performances” forced change.
Who Else Is Linked to the Tottenham Job?
Beyond exes, Roberto De Zerbi, fresh from Marseille, interests Tottenham per ESPN and Romano. Express reports his stance post-Frank.
Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola named by ESPN, though Iraola snubbed before. Robbie Keane considered for energy.
When Will Tottenham Appoint a Permanent Boss?
Club eyes summer hire after interim. ESPN confident on shortlist despite past struggles.
Frank’s sacking, per Independent, after dire run leaves legacy questions.
