West Brom in talks to hire experienced coach amid Hawthorns reshuffle

West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison could soon have an experienced head alongside him in The Hawthorns dugout.

Morrison is set to embark on his first permanent senior coaching role next season after being hired by West Brom.

That comes on the back of a superb caretaker spell in charge for the final two months of the 2025-26 season.

Damia Abella was part of Morrison's coaching staff as the Baggies dodged relegation last season, but the Spaniard looks set to depart.

Matt Gill is staying on as assistant manager, however, and Morrison looks set to bring in another face over the summer.

It all points towards a more successful 2026-27 season in the West Midlands after a dire 12 months.

Damia Abella out at West Brom, but replacement expected

Abella is well respected at The Hawthorns, having been brought in a few years ago as part of Carlos Corberan's staff.

The 44-year-old stayed when Corberan headed to Valencia 18 months ago, but he now looks set to leave.

And in an update shared via West Brom insider EyaWeGaw via X on Tuesday, Leigh Downing is set to be promoted into the first-team setup.

It is also claimed that the experienced coach Albion want to bring in to work with Morrison is currently at another club.

Talks are ongoing and he is expected to join West Brom as part of the slight reshuffle.

Asked if Steven Reid is the coach in question, the reliable West Brom fan account replied: "It looks like Reid is off the cards this time around."

Elsewhere, Boaz Myhill looks set to stay on as goalkeeper coach.

West Brom have avoided a potential recruitment headache

Bringing in another figure to work alongside Morrison makes sense, so long as the Scotsman is the one behind the decision - or has at least welcomed it.

It had previously been reported West Brom may have to make two hires, but Gil is set to stay on and therefore will not have to be replaced.

Retaining Gil is a positive for the Baggies as it looked as though he would join Russell Martin when he lands his next job.

Once this new face is brought in, whoever it may be, West Brom can begin planning in earnest for the 2026-27 season, which will be here before we know it.