Ryan Mason has left his role at Tottenham Hotspur to become the head coach of West Bromwich Albion, signing a three-year contract with the Championship club. At just 33 years old, Mason is now the youngest head coach in the division, marking a significant milestone as he embarks on his first permanent managerial role.
West Brom had been searching for a new head coach since parting ways with Tony Mowbray in April. Mowbray’s dismissal came after the club’s playoff hopes were dashed, despite his recent appointment in January following the departure of Carlos Corberan, who left West Brom to manage Valencia. The club’s hierarchy moved quickly to identify a replacement, and Mason soon emerged as a strong candidate for the role. However, the completion of Tottenham’s 2024-25 campaign, which ended with Europa League success on May 25, meant West Brom had to wait until Mason was free to take the job.
Following a brief holiday, Mason accepted the offer to take the helm at West Brom, viewing the club as an ideal place to start his management career. He expressed his excitement and ambition about the challenge ahead, emphasizing the club’s infrastructure, passionate fanbase, and the potential for future success. Mason described the role as a perfect fit and said he looked forward to bringing energy, dedication, and ambition to the position.
Mason’s journey into management has been closely watched since his playing career was tragically cut short. A product of Tottenham’s academy, Mason made 70 first-team appearances for the club. His playing days ended prematurely in 2018 after a serious head injury sustained during a Premier League match against Chelsea while playing for Hull City. The injury forced him to retire, but Mason quickly transitioned into coaching, initially focusing on youth teams at Tottenham.
His rapid rise through the coaching ranks saw him join Antonio Conte’s first-team staff within a few years of retirement. Mason also stepped in as caretaker manager on multiple occasions, including leading Tottenham to the 2021 Carabao Cup final. These interim stints gave fans and pundits alike a glimpse of his potential as a future head coach.
In October 2024, Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht regarding a possible managerial role. However, a mutual decision was reached to remain at Tottenham, where he played a key role in helping the club secure its first major trophy since 2008. His contribution during this period helped solidify his reputation as a promising young coach.
After Conte’s departure in 2023, Mason took on another caretaker role before remaining on as part of Ange Postecoglou’s backroom team. Over two more years as Tottenham’s first-team coach, Mason gathered valuable experience that prepared him for the next step in his career.
West Brom finished ninth in the Championship last season, falling short of their playoff ambitions. The club’s board is now banking on Mason’s fresh ideas and youthful energy to improve the team’s fortunes and mount a serious promotion challenge. His appointment signals West Brom’s intention to build for the future under a young coach with strong ties to the game and an innovative approach.
Mason’s move marks the end of a seven-year coaching spell at Tottenham and the start of an exciting new chapter. As one of the youngest managers in English football, all eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to the challenges of leading a club full-time for the first time. His blend of coaching experience, passion, and ambition could make him a significant figure in the Championship and beyond in the years ahead.
