Overview
- Blackburn confirmed Mowbray's appointment on Friday on a long-term contract to replace Michael O'Neill and begin work ahead of the summer transfer window.
- O'Neill had served as interim boss after Valérien Ismaël's February sacking but declined the permanent role to keep focusing on his job as Northern Ireland manager.
- Mowbray previously managed Blackburn from February 2017 to May 2022, overseeing promotion from League One and 267 games with 108 wins, which is cited as why the club turned to him for stability.
- The 62-year-old returns after recovering from bowel cancer and a short, unsuccessful spell at West Brom that ended in April 2025, and he says he has 'unfinished business' to push for promotion.
- The appointment ends a period of managerial churn after a 2025–26 campaign that finished 20th, and it signals Blackburn will prioritise steady leadership and preparation in the transfer market for next season.