Championship promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers have parted ways with head coach John Eustace, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal to manage relegation-threatened Derby County.
Eustace was notably absent from Blackburn’s midweek victory over West Bromwich Albion, which propelled them to fifth in the table—19 points and 16 places ahead of Derby.
His managerial debut with Derby, a club where he had two playing spells, will be in Friday’s match against Queens Park Rangers.
Blackburn granted Eustace permission to enter talks with Derby late on Monday, describing the decision as “reluctant.” Despite discussions with Derby officials on Tuesday, he was not present at Pride Park that evening, where the Rams earned a goalless draw against Oxford United, moving out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Joining Eustace at Derby are assistant head coach Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing, both of whom also leave Blackburn.
Derby owner David Clowes expressed enthusiasm about Eustace’s return to Pride Park, where the former player concluded his career a decade ago, stating he is “excited to welcome” him back.
“Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence, he was a real leader,” Clowes told the club website.
“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.”
Eustace, who also previously managed Birmingham City in the second tier, leaves Ewood Park with Blackburn in the play-off spots with 14 matches remaining.
Despite the clubs being at opposite ends of the table, it is understood Eustace believes Derby are the better long-term project. And with his family living in the Midlands, location has been a major factor in the move.
Rovers said they were “disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season” but added they “understand” the family reason behind it and the pull of his former side.
“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league,” a Rovers statement said.
“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.”
Eustace’s exit from Blackburn means half of the teams in the Championship have changed manager since the start of the season.
John Eustace’s exit from Blackburn Rovers has been confirmed, just a day after the team secured their third win in 12 league matches. Despite earning only 11 points from a possible 36 since late December, Rovers remain among the Championship’s promotion contenders.
Eustace’s final match in charge was Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Premier League side Wolves. This marks the second consecutive season he has left a club in a Championship play-off position. Unlike his previous departure from Birmingham City in October 2023—when new owners replaced him with Wayne Rooney, leading to Birmingham’s eventual relegation to League One—this move was by his own choice.
Eustace initially joined Blackburn when they were battling relegation. After securing their safety, he transformed the club into promotion hopefuls this season.
He now takes over Derby County, who are fourth from bottom in the Championship after a 10-match winless streak, including seven consecutive league losses. The Rams face the threat of an immediate return to League One.
Eustace brings a rich history with Derby, having had two spells as a player. His first stint, on loan from Watford, saw him help the Rams avoid relegation in the 2008-09 season. He later returned in 2013, ending his playing career at Pride Park. During his second stint, he played a key role in Derby’s run to the Championship play-off final in 2014, where they fell just short of Premier League promotion against QPR.