Blackburn Rovers have announced that Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been appointed as their new head coach on a short-term agreement.

O'Neill will take charge of Blackburn for the remainder of the season, with Rovers currently 22nd in the Championship with 15 games to go.

He has previous Championship experience with Stoke City, overseeing 128 games with the Potters between November 2019 and August 2022.

He won 47 of his games at the helm (D33 L48), while helping keep Stoke in the division during his first season in charge of the club.

 We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael O'Neill as the club's new Head Coach on an initial short-term arrangement.

Welcome to #Rovers, Michael! 

 

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) February 13, 2026

Interim boss Damien Johnson will oversee Blackburn's fixture against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with O'Neill set to be in the stands, while former Blackburn and Manchester United defender Phil Jones is set to be a part of the new coaching staff.

O'Neill will continue his role with Northern Ireland, who face Italy in their World Cup play-off semi-final next month.

If they manage to beat Italy in Bergamo, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot at this summer's tournament.