Dyche sack: Everton 'succession planning' as TFG stance on Mourinho emerges
Everton have not approached Jose Mourinho to replace Sean Dyche as The Friedkin Group continue their succession plans, according to Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on talkSPORT (9 January, 8:56am), Jacobs said that while Mourinho – who worked with TFG at Roma and now manages Fenerbahce – hasn't been spoken to, a plan for Dyche's departure is underway.
Having missed out on Graham Potter, who was appointed by West Ham on Thursday, the Toffees' other top choice to take Dyche's place – whenever that day comes – is instead Gareth Southgate.
Jacobs said: “I’m not aware of any approach to Jose Mourinho; obviously he knows The Friedkin Group from his time at Roma – it didn’t end on the best terms, but they have respect for Mourinho.
“They’re still assessing Sean Dyche – it’s succession planning rather than interviewing at the moment, and we wait and see for mid-season changes.
“I think [it’s] more likely at this stage that it’ll come at the end of the season, when Dyche’s contract expires, but if results don’t improve, they’re going to have to look at somebody.
“I really think their top two choices were Gareth Southgate – who doesn’t want to take a job at the moment – and Graham Potter, who’s just gone to West Ham.”
Everton laying the groundwork for Sean Dyche departure
With Dyche's contract coming to an end this summer, alternatives and plans simply have to be in place for a change of manager regardless, especially with 2025 being such a transitional year for the club.
It's unclear yet as to whether the Toffees' move from Goodison Park to Bramley-Moore Dock will also bring about a different direction on the pitch, but few fans see Dyche as the long-term fit for a new era.
Mourinho being mooted and potentially appointed represents quite the sea-change from the siege mentality Dyche brings, even if their styles of football can be seen as similar in some lights.
Southgate being a popular choice for the Blues' new owners – and the new-look executive team Friedkin has imposed – is surprising, but he too wouldn't move the needle too far from Dyche in terms of setup.
Dyche's cards appear marked on Merseyside with the Toffees slipping closer and closer to the relegation zone, and if form doesn't improve, TFG may have to approach Southgate or Mourinho ahead of schedule.
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