Ranking the 10 Longest-Serving Premier League Managers in 2024

Despite not having managed a single Premier League match yet, Kieran McKenna is poised to be one of the most promising young coaches in the league. In August, he will lead Ipswich Town, the club that gave him his managerial break and where he has achieved unprecedented success.

McKenna had previously worked with the youth teams at Tottenham and Manchester United, but it was with the Tractor Boys that he gained his first real experience as a head coach. Appointed in December 2021 while Ipswich was still in League One, the London-born manager led the team to back-to-back promotions, ending Ipswich's 22-year absence from the top tier of English football.

5. Eddie Howe

From: 8th of November 2021

Born in Bournemouth, Eddie Howe initially played for and trained with the Cherries before transitioning into coaching at a young age. His early seasons at the Vitality Stadium saw him successfully guide the club back into League One. However, he departed in 2011 to join Burnley, though his tenure there was short-lived and he returned to Bournemouth shortly thereafter.

From 2012 to 2020, Howe served as Bournemouth's manager, achieving remarkable success by leading the club back to the Premier League and securing their status there. In 2021, he embarked on a new chapter with Newcastle United. Notably, during the 2022/2023 season, Howe's managerial prowess shone through as he guided Newcastle to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League for the club.

4. Marco Silva

From: 1st of July 2021

Marco Silva began his managerial journey in Portugal before making his mark in England with stints at Hull City (2017), Watford (2017-2018), and Everton (2018-2019). Joining Fulham as head coach in July 2021, he successfully guided the club back to the Premier League after their relegation to the Championship the previous season.

In his debut season at Craven Cottage, Silva led Fulham to a respectable 10th-place finish in the league, attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, which he declined. Despite facing challenges in his second season, culminating in a 13th-place finish, his primary objective of securing Premier League survival was achieved.

3. Mikel Arteta

From: 22nd of December 2019

After gaining experience alongside Pep Guardiola on the Manchester City bench, Mikel Arteta assumed his first managerial role at Arsenal in December 2019. The Gunners' management's faith in the Spaniard has proven well-placed, as Arteta has achieved notable success.

Under his guidance, Arsenal claimed the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in both 2020 and 2023. A former midfielder at the Emirates Stadium from 2011 to 2016, Arteta has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the club's standing in English football. Despite not yet overcoming Manchester City, he has consistently challenged them, securing second-place finishes in the Premier League standings over the past two seasons.

2. Thomas Frank

​​​​​​​From: 16th of October 2018

Despite not being the first name that comes to mind for a top ranking, Thomas Frank has achieved remarkable success. After joining Brentford from Brondby in 2016, initially as an assistant until 2018, he then took over as the Bees' head coach.

Under his leadership, the Scandinavian manager left a significant impact on the team, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season. Beyond that achievement, he has established Brentford as a consistent presence in the top flight and positioned them as potential contenders in European competition. The club notably finished in an impressive 9th place at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign under his stewardship.

1. Pep Guardiola

From: 1st of July 2016

Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the most revered coaches in football history. After achieving tremendous success with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Catalan maestro joined Manchester City in 2016, sparking an era of unparalleled dominance for the club. City has clinched six out of the last seven Premier League titles under his stewardship.

In addition to league success, Guardiola has amassed a formidable collection of cup trophies, including two FA Cups (2019, 2023), four League Cups (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), and two Community Shields (2018, 2019). His crowning achievement came in 2023 when he guided Manchester City to their maiden UEFA Champions League title.

Despite these triumphs, Guardiola's contract is set to expire in June 2025, fueling speculation about his departure at the end of the upcoming season.