Middlesbrough could turn back to former head coach Michael Carrick after pundit Don Hutchison claimed the 44-year-old would be open to a surprise Riverside comeback following Rob Edwards’ departure to Wolves.
Middlesbrough are working through a long list of candidates after Steve Gibson saw Rob Edwards leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers during the international break.
Amid the ongoing search, former boss Michael Carrick has been pushed back into the conversation, with ex-Boro midfielder and close friend Don Hutchison adamant the door is not closed on a reunion.
Our first interview with Michael Carrick 🗣📹 #UTB
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) October 24, 2022
Hutchison Highlights Gibson Relationship In Carrick Claim
Carrick’s name has re-emerged after he left the club in the summer, ending a 2 & 1/2 year spell in charge. Despite the dismissal, Hutchison insists the relationship between Carrick and chairman Gibson remains strong and that both men could work together again if Boro decide to revisit the idea.
Speaking about the prospect of a return, Hutchison stressed Carrick’s temperament and the respect he still holds on Teesside, suggesting the way his first spell ended would not automatically rule him out of contention.
He believes the former midfielder has had time to reflect on the difficult final months before his exit.
“A very steady guy, Michael, I know him really well, still mates with him today. Very steady on and off the pitch. Probably, he would have learned a lot from the poor form that he was in that got him the sack, and maybe if he’s going in there again, he might do 1 or 2 things a little bit differently.
“I think that would be a very good fit. No, I think Michael would be a good fit again. I think his relationship with Steve Gibson, the chairman and owner, is a strong one. I do not think Steve Gibson really wanted to sack him, but he sort of had to because of the run of results.
“I think the 2 of them are professional enough to make it work again.”
Those comments will only fuel speculation that Carrick could be sounded out as Gibson weighs up his options in the wake of Edwards leaving for the Premier League.
Michael carrick
Led Middlesbrough to the play-offs in the Championship; his name has been floated for Norwich. 
Experience, calm presence, potential to stabilise.
Caveat: Hasn’t yet taken a sustained job with promotion pressure. pic.twitter.com/AQEJvrxeR3— Non League Scout (@nleaguescout) November 10, 2025
Carrick’s First Spell And Rival Interest In His Future
Carrick was appointed in October 2022, inheriting a side sitting 21st in the Championship with 17 points from 16 games and only 1 point above the relegation zone. Under his guidance, Boro surged up the table to finish 4th and reach the play-offs, eventually losing their semi-final to Coventry City.
The following campaign brought further encouragement, with Middlesbrough narrowly missing the top 6 by finishing 8th while also reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals. A tougher final season ended with Boro 10th in the Championship, and after a lengthy post-season review, Gibson chose to part company with his head coach.
Despite that, Carrick’s stock remains high. This latest report notes that Swansea City are also without a permanent head coach during the break and that the former Manchester United midfielder has been linked with the vacancy in Wales as well as any potential opening back at the Riverside.
With Middlesbrough determined to make a considered appointment after losing Edwards to Wolves, Hutchison’s backing underlines that Carrick is still viewed by some close to the club as a credible, and potentially popular, option if the Teessiders decide to look to a familiar face once again.
