Update emerges on Blackburn Rovers links with Gary Rowett | OneFootball

Gary Rowett has become one of the favourites to replace Valerien Ismael at Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers have not made contact with Gary Rowett regarding his potential appointment in place of Valerien Ismael.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the Championship side have not discussed the role with the out of work coach.

Rowett has been in charge of a number of second division sides throughout his career, including his most recent stint at Oxford United.

The 51-year-old was in charge of the U’s for almost exactly a year, but was dismissed on 23 December 2025 amid the threat of relegation to League One at the Kassam Stadium.

Blackburn sacked Ismael after last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Hull City, with Rovers also facing the risk of dropping into the third tier.

Blackburn Rovers’ Gary Rowett stance

Blackburn have reportedly not held any talks with Rowett to become their next first team head coach, despite the 51-year-old being out of work.

It is unclear whether he is being considered at all after his name shot up to the top of the betting markets this week, with a few different names emerging as possible contenders for the role.

Chris Coleman is understood to be a man of interest to the Rovers board, along with Slaven Bilic.

The former Wales boss is currently out of work after departing Greek club Asteras Tripolis last month.

The 55-year-old has not been in charge of an English team since his departure from Sunderland in 2018.

Meanwhile, Bilic is also available as a free agent, with his last managerial role coming with Al-Fateh.

The Croatian has been out of work since August 2024 after 13 months in charge of the Saudi Arabian side, with his last job in English football coming with Watford in 2023.

Blackburn are currently 21st in the Championship table, just ahead of 22nd place West Brom due to a superior goal difference.

Next up for Rovers is a trip to face 18th place Norwich City on Saturday in a 12.31pm kick-off.

Gary Rowett would be a natural choice for Blackburn

Rowett has a lot of experience working in the Championship, and he knows what it takes to keep a team in the division.

While his time at Oxford United ended with the team in a relegation battle, he should be capable of steering the Lancashire outfit in the right direction.

But Blackburn are doing a good job of keeping things under wraps, with no obvious candidate coming forward as the leading contender so far.

Yet a decision will need to be made soon, as a club in their league position cannot afford to waste time in searching for a coach mid-season.