Valerien Ismael leaves Blackburn Rovers with club in Championship relegation zone
Valerien Ismael leaves Blackburn Rovers after 12 months in charge; assistant coach Dean Whitehead also departs; Damien Johnson placed in temporary charge; club are 22nd in the Championship, three points adrift of safety
Monday 2 February 2026 18:44, UK
Valerien Ismael has left his role as Blackburn Rovers head coach.
Ismael had been at the club for 12 months, after being appointed in February 2025. But he departs with the club in the Championship relegation zone, three points adrift of safety. They have failed to win any of their last eight games.
A club statement read: "Valerien Ismael has today [Monday] left his position as Blackburn Rovers' head coach by mutual consent.
"Ismael joined the club in February 2025, however it has been mutually agreed that he will step away from his role with immediate effect, along with assistant head coach Dean Whitehead.
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"Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Valerien and Dean for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them both the very best for the future.
"The club will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach and will make no further comment until an appointment is confirmed."
The club later confirmed coach Damien Johnson had been placed in temporary charge ahead of their match against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night. Victory would lift them out of the bottom three.
Sky Sports News understands Slaven Bilic is among the contenders to replace Ismael at Ewood Park.
Blackburn's February schedule
Sheff Wed (H) - Tues 3, 7.45pm
Norwich (A) - Sat 7, 12.31pm - live on Sky
QPR (A) - Sat 14, 3pm
Preston (H) - Fri 20, 8pm - live on Sky
Bristol City (H) - Tues 24, 7.45pm - live on Sky
Derby (A) - Sat 28, 12.30pm - live on Sky
