 On 14 June, after being linked with the managerial vacancy at Bradford City, Evans revealed to Telegraph & Argus he had held talks with a club in China to manage a club in China League One, Evans described the financial package as 'mind-blowing' but rejected the job due to personal reasons to stay with his family in England.On 21 June Evans was offered the managerial job at League One side Oldham Athletic but after originally agreeing personal terms he decided to pursue other managerial offers in the pipeline.Evans was appointed manager of League Two side Mansfield Town on 16 November 2016, replacing Adam Murray.