John Eustace has left promotion-chasing Blackburn Rovers to become relegation-threatened Derby County's new head coach. 

Eustace was absent from Blackburn's 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, a result that lifted Rovers to fifth in the table, 19 points and 16 places above the Rams.

But it is believed that the 45-year-old is excited by the long-term project in the East Midlands, with Eustace signing a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season. 

Eustace took his first permanent role in management with Birmingham City in July 2022, guiding Blues to their highest points tally since 2016, and successfully avoiding relegation in his first season in charge. 

The following campaign, Eustace led Birmingham to sixth in the Championship table but was bizarrely replaced by Wayne Rooney, who lasted just 15 matches in charge. 

He then joined Rovers in February 2024 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, finishing 19th in 2023-24 before overseeing 13 wins in the Championship this term (D6 L12).  

Eustace leaves Ewood Park having won 18 of his 52 games in charge across all competitions (D14 L20), with his final game a 2-0 defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup. 

"I'm excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader," owner David Clowes said. 

"I've followed his managerial career with interest, and it's clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.

"He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure.

"He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.

"I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.

"When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County.

"From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward."