Kevin took temporary charge of the Grecians for the Football League Trophy on the 4th October after Matt Taylor had joined Rotherham. Exeter beat Southampton 2-1. This was closely followed by his 1st League game in charge as a caretaker manager on the 8th October 2022, which also ended in victory for Exeter, a 2-0 win at Barnsley. Exeter City then had two 4-2 league defeats against Charlton Athletic away and Oxford United at home, a 3rd 4-1 defeat away to Forest Green Rovers in the Football League Trophy saw Exeter exit the competition at the group stage. Nicholson's final game in interim charge was a 2-1 win at home to Fleetwood Town.
 
On November 10th 2022, the club said

"Exeter City Football Club is pleased to announce that Kevin Nicholson has been appointed as assistant manager.

Kevin, who has been with the club since 2019, has already been working closely with first team manager Gary Caldwell and will take up the position immediately."