The big sports story Thursday was the decision of Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho to part ways after a disappointing start to the new season. The decision comes days after a loss to current Premier League leaders Leicester, the Blues’ ninth of the season; Mourinho’s departure was not a firing, but rather a decision of mutual consent, which may explain why this happened several days following Monday’s match, instead of the next day.

It’s been quite a career for Jose Mourinho so far. Born in Portugal, one of his first jobs in soccer was serving as a translator for Bobby Robson when the Englishman became the manager at Barcelona. His first managerial gig came at Benfica – one of the top clubs in Portuguese history – although he resigned after only nine games. Only when he arrived at Porto in 2002 did he become a household name. The Dragons went on to win the UEFA Cup in 2003, and then the Champions League the following year; his touchline run at Old Trafford remains a legendary image in the competition’s recent history.

Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge the first time in the summer of 2004, leading the Blues to two straight Premier League titles. Domestic success, however, didn’t carry over to the Champions League, and after a tough start to the 2007/08 season, Mourinho left through mutual consent. He found success with Inter Milan in Italy and a degree of success Real Madrid in Spain, before returning to Stamford Bridge in 2013.

As for the club, they’ve had many managers since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. That said, this could be a blessing in disguise for the club, who’ve done very well under interim managers. After Mourinho left the first time, Avram Grant guided the club to its first-ever Champions League Final, where they lost to Manchester United on penalties. The following year, Guus Hiddink helped Chelsea win the FA Cup and did very well steering the players through their controversial semifinal exit in the UCL. Three years later, Roberto di Matteo navigated Chelsea to a first European Cup triumph before Rafael Benitez guided the club to a Europa League title as interim manager the following year.

Former striker Mateja Kezman has said Hiddink told him he’ll return to Chelsea, as the club heads into its heavy end-of-the-calendar year schedule. How the club does going into 2016 will have a big impact on whether or not the Blues can be legitimately concerned about the threat of relegation, just one year after winning the title.

What’s next for Mourinho, as well? In the past, he’s said he’s wanted to be the manager at Manchester United, and Louis van Gaal is walking a very thin line right now at Old Trafford. Is this perhaps the best opportunity for Mourinho to join the Red Devils if LvG does leave?

Who do you think will be the next Chelsea manager, and which club will Jose Mourinho land at? Leave a comment below!