Sacked Championship manager in contention for Blackburn job following Slaven Bilic snub

Feb 10, 2026 - 21:15

Gary Rowett is a contender to take over as manager at Blackburn, talkSPORT understands.

Rowett was most recently in charge of Rovers’ Championship relegation rivals Oxford.

Gary Rowett during his time in charge of Oxford — Rowetthas emerged as one potential option for Blackburn to replace Valerien Ismael

As previously reported, former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has turned down Blackburn’s advances because he is not willing to take the job mid-season.

A swift return to the dugout?

talkSPORT understands that Tony Mowbray is another contender to go back to Blackburn.

Rowett succeeded Des Buckingham as Oxford manager part-way through last season in the hope of avoiding relegation.

He led Oxford to a 17th-placed finish last term, but was sacked in December with the club slumped in 22nd place.

Rowett was linked with the managerial post at fellow strugglers Leicester City who currently have ex-midfielder Andy King in temporary charge.

Interest in Rowett has been widespread due to his extensive experience of managing in the Championship.

He has clocked up over 400 matches as a Championship boss having led Birmingham City, Stoke, Derby and Millwall in recent years.

Rowett led the Rams to the 2017/18 play-offs before losing to Fulham in the two-legged semi-final.

He finished just outside the top six as manager of Millwall while also boasting experience of battling against the drop.

And he will need to use every bit of his know-how to steer Rovers clear of the relegation zone should he take over.

Slaven Bilic in charge of Watford — Bilic ruled himself out of the running for the Blackburn job

Gary Rowett during his spell at Birmingham — Rowett spent four years in charge of Millwall between 2019 and 2023

Rovers in deep water

The Lancashire club occupy the final relegation spot and are in grave danger of dropping into the third tier after a torrid first half of the season under now former boss Valerien Ismael.

If the Blackburn hierarchy opt for Rowett, he could be in charge for this weekend’s trip to Queens Park Rangers.

Rovers have lost four of their last six league games and it is hoped that Rowett could provide the ultimate pick me up for the former Premier League champions.

And his ability to garner instant results while adding a solidity to his sides could prove fruitful should he take over the reins at Ewood Park.

Should Blackburn opt against Rowett, then they could trun their attention to another ex-Millwall manager in Neil Harris.

The current Cambridge United boss enjoyed two spells at The Den, leaving the club for the final time in December 2024.