The Central Coast Mariners have been thrust into the spotlight once again, but this time it’s not for another trophy on the shelf. On October 10, 2025, the club announced the surprise departure of head coach Mark Jackson, who is set to embark on an international coaching adventure. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic—just a week before the start of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season, and with the highly anticipated F3 Derby against the Newcastle Jets looming on October 19. If you’re a Mariners supporter, you might be asking: what’s next for this championship-winning squad?
Jackson’s exit marks the end of a golden chapter in Mariners history. The Englishman arrived in Gosford ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, stepping into the shoes of former boss Nick Montgomery. Expectations were high, but few could have predicted the extraordinary heights the club would reach under his stewardship. In his debut season, Jackson orchestrated a feat never before achieved by an Australian club: the coveted treble. The Mariners lifted the Premiers Plate, clinched the Championship trophy, and soared to continental glory by capturing the AFC Cup. Talk about making an entrance!
“We are grateful to Mark for the commitment he’s shown during his time at the Mariners,” said CEO Greg Brownlow, reflecting on Jackson’s tenure. “He’s led the team with great passion and care for our players, and we wish him all the best for his next challenge internationally.” Those words, echoed across the club’s official channels, speak volumes about the respect Jackson earned in such a short span.
The decision to move on, according to all official statements, was Jackson’s own. After receiving an enticing international offer, he opted to take the next step in his coaching journey. While the specifics of his new destination remain under wraps, there’s no question his stock has risen meteorically after his historic achievements with Central Coast. For a club that had just celebrated a championship under Montgomery, Jackson’s arrival—and subsequent triumphs—set a new standard for success in Australian football.
Let’s rewind to the start of Jackson’s reign. Taking over from Montgomery, who had led the Mariners to the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship, Jackson inherited a squad with momentum but also the weight of expectation. Rather than buckle, he galvanized the team. The Mariners stormed through the 2023-24 season, finishing atop the table to claim the Premiers Plate. In a league known for its unpredictability, consistency like that doesn’t come easy. Yet Jackson’s side didn’t stop there. They powered through the finals to secure the Championship trophy, then capped it all off with a fairytale run in the AFC Cup. That treble—Premiers Plate, Championship, and AFC Cup—is a first for any Australian team and a testament to the squad’s belief and unity under Jackson’s guidance.
Of course, football is rarely a one-man show. The players, buoyed by Jackson’s leadership, bought into his philosophy from day one. Training sessions were said to be intense but positive, with a focus on attacking football and collective responsibility. Several players credited Jackson with improving their tactical understanding and confidence on the ball. The results spoke for themselves: a relentless, entertaining brand of football that delighted fans and pundits alike. The Mariners’ journey through the AFC Cup in particular captured the imagination of supporters across the country, as they toppled seasoned Asian opponents en route to continental silverware.
But as is often the case in sport, triumph can be followed by turbulence. Jackson’s departure, announced so close to the new season, has inevitably raised questions. Who will fill the void? How will the squad respond to such a seismic change? The club has moved quickly to reassure fans. In the immediate term, the Mariners’ assistant staff will take charge of training, including preparations for this Sunday’s Fan Day trial match on October 12. There’s also the possibility of appointing an interim coach to guide the team as the search for a permanent successor ramps up. The process to appoint a new head coach is already underway, with the club signaling its intent to maintain stability and keep standards high.
Despite the shock, there’s a palpable sense of resilience within the Mariners’ camp. “While Mark’s decision has come as a surprise, the club remains resolute and strong, and our players are professional athletes who are preparing as normal as we move toward our exciting clash in the F3 Derby against our fierce rivals, the Jets,” the club stated. That Derby, set for October 19, promises to be a stern test—not just of the squad’s quality, but of its character. The rivalry with the Jets is one of the A-League’s most storied, and with a new era dawning, the stakes feel even higher.
For fans, the next week will be one of anticipation and perhaps a little anxiety. The Mariners have built a culture of winning, but continuity at the top is often key to sustained success. Will the new head coach—whoever that may be—be able to build on Jackson’s legacy? Or will the club have to navigate some early bumps as it transitions to a new leadership style? The only certainty is that the Mariners’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping for more silverware but bracing for the challenges that come with change.
Jackson, for his part, leaves with the gratitude of a club and community that witnessed history. His achievements will be remembered not just for the trophies, but for the style and spirit with which they were won. “He’s led the team with great passion and care for our players,” CEO Brownlow reiterated, underlining the impact Jackson had both on and off the pitch.
As the Mariners turn the page, the immediate future is in the hands of the assistant coaches and the club’s senior leaders. Preparations for the new season continue apace, with the squad focused on being ready for the F3 Derby and beyond. The search for a new head coach is sure to attract significant interest, given the club’s recent success and ambitious outlook.
So, as the sun sets on Mark Jackson’s remarkable tenure, the Central Coast Mariners stand at a crossroads—armed with a winning culture, a hungry squad, and the unwavering support of their fans. The next chapter begins now, and all eyes will be on Gosford as the A-League’s new season kicks off. One thing’s for sure: the Mariners aren’t done making headlines yet.
