We asked AI to predict West Brom's next three managers - its response was thought-provoking

West Brom’s decision to reappoint Tony Mowbray as manager marked the club’s sixth permanent manager of this decade and their fourth since being relegated back to the Championship in 2021.

Mowbray is a familiar face to Baggies fans, having steered the club to the Championship title in 2007/08 and he is someone that during his first stint in charge was synonymous for playing forward-thinking attacking football.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland boss is currently tasked with steering the club to the play-offs after Carlos Corberan’s shock mid-season exit to Valencia and is tasked with beating the likes of Coventry City, Middlesbrough and Bristol City to a place in the top six.

AI forecasts that West Brom will need around 74 points to secure a place in the top six and a potential shot at achieving promotion this season at Wembley Stadium.

But what does the future look like on the managerial front for West Brom? We asked X’s AI Grok tool to name the next three Baggies managers and this was its intriguing response.

1. Steven Schumacher (2027–2029)

AI expects Bolton boss Steven Schumacher to succeed Tony Mowbray in the dugout at the mid-point of the 2027/28 season with the club still chasing a promotion to the Premier League.

Its answer explains: Schumacher is a young, promising manager who was linked with West Brom in early 2025. If Mowbray’s tenure ends in 2027, Schumacher could be an appealing choice, especially if he’s rebuilt his reputation with Bolton Wanderers in the interim. His success in winning League One with Plymouth Argyle (2022-23) suggests he could thrive in the Championship, making him a candidate to take over and push for promotion or consolidate a Premier League return.

TalkSport shows that Schumacher was third favourite for the role in the aftermath of Corberan’s departure so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the 40-year-old could have another crack at managing in the second-tier.

2. Michael Carrick (2029–2032)

AI expects Middlesbrough to target Michael Carrick once his time at the Riverside Stadium comes to an end.

It explains: Michael Carrick, currently at Middlesbrough, has earned praise for his progressive management style, guiding Boro to the playoffs in 2022-23. By 2029, he’ll have several years of experience and could be ready for a new challenge. West Brom, with their history of appointing Championship-tested managers, might see Carrick as a natural fit—especially if they’re in the Championship or newly promoted to the Premier League. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen could appeal to the club’s ambitions.

Carrick has done a steady job at Middlesbrough and has plenty of experience in the second-tier. While the ex-Manchester United midfielder has ambitions of managing in the Premier League, it does seem likely at this stage that he could one day manage West Brom.

3. Laura Harvey (2032–2034)

AI goes very left field in its next selection and anticipates that there will be greater gender diversity in the managerial dugout during the next decade. It forecasts that the Baggies board could make a landmark move for ex-Arsenal Women’s boss Laura Harvey, who is currently managing Seattle Reign FC in the American National Women's Soccer League.

This would make her one of the first female coaches to ever take charge of an EFL club. Its description is as follows: By 2032, football could see more gender diversity in managerial roles, and Laura Harvey stands out as a bold, plausible pick. Currently managing the Seattle Reign in the NWSL (as of 2025), Harvey has a stellar record—multiple championships and a reputation for tactical innovation. If West Brom’s ownership opts for a forward-thinking appointment, Harvey could cross the Atlantic, bringing fresh ideas. Her experience with high-pressure environments might suit a club aiming to break from tradition, whether in the Championship or Premier League.

In July 2023, Forest Green made history by appointing Hannah Dingley as first team manager on an interim basis. However, that only lasted two weeks and Dingley never actually got a chance to oversee a competitive match. Based on recent history it seems unlikely that Harvey would get the chance to manage in the EFL, but a lot can change in a decade of football.

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