Will Still Leaves Lens to Be Closer to Family

Lens coach Will Still announces departure, citing desire to be closer to family in Britain after just one season in charge.

Will Still has stepped down as head coach of RC Lens to prioritize being closer to his family in Britain. The 32-year-old announced his decision after Lens' 4-0 win over AS Monaco. 

🚨🟡🔴 BREAKING: Will Still leaves RC Lens, decision has been made.

32 year old coach returns to England due to personal reasons. pic.twitter.com/fhkXH5mtI2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2025

“I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert,” Still told reporters, bringing an end to his one-year tenure with the Ligue 1 side. Still had joined Lens on a three-year contract last June, helping the team finish eighth in the league this season.

Will Still cited personal reasons for leaving his role as Lens coach, primarily to be closer to his family in Britain. “For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife, for her well-being,” he explained. Still's partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, had recently revealed she was diagnosed with encephalitis, a brain infection, which likely influenced his decision to prioritize family life.