Next Sheffield Wednesday manager contenders

With Danny Rohl's future at Sheffield Wednesday appearing increasingly uncertain, we assess the potential contenders to become the next manager of the Owls.

Henrik Pedersen

Given Rohl's popularity at Hillsborough, the prospect of replacing the German with his trusted assistant Henrik Pedersen is likely to appeal to Sheffield Wednesday supporters.

Rohl has previously been on record acknowledging the close understanding between himself and Dane Pedersen, with his assistant capable of maintaining the same style of play at Hillsborough if handed the top job next term.

Pedersen's previous coaching experience includes spells overseeing Red Bull Salzburg's youth teams as well as management roles at Eintracht Braunschweig, Stromsgodset and Vendsyssel FF.

Dave Challinor

Stockport County manager Dave Challinor is another name who has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday should the German depart Hillsborough as expected this summer.

Challinor has been the inspiration behind Stockport's rapid rise through the Football League in recent years, with the Hatters promoted as National League champions in 2021/22 and then winning League Two in 2023/24.

The Englishman's transformative effect at Edgeley Park is unlikely to have gone unnoticed across the Football League, with Sheffield Wednesday one of several clubs potentially keeping an eye on him as a possible future manager.

Gary O'Neil

As far as out of work English managers are concerned, ex-Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O'Neil is a name which quickly stands out.

Ex-Middlesbrough and West Ham midfielder drew praise for his early exploits as a young English manager in the Premier League and will eager to get back into the game after being relieved of his duties at Molineux in December 2024.

A Championship club of the size and stature of Sheffield Wednesday may appeal to O'Neil as he seeks to turn a new chapter in his fledgling managerial career.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards is another likeable former Premier League manager who is currently out of work having been sacked by Luton Town in January 2025.

Previously in charge of Forest Green, Watford and Luton, the Sheffield Wednesday gig is likely to be of interest to Edwards as a manager with considerable Football League experience.

Despite Luton's relegation from the Premier League in 2023/24, Edwards carried himself with class throughout and is unlikely to be short of suitors in the near future.

Raphael Wicky

Previously linked with West Brom and Norwich City, Swiss football manager Raphael Wicky could potentially be of interest to Sheffield Wednesday.

A tactically flexible manager, Wicky previously led Young Boys to the Swiss Super League title in 2022/23.

The former Werder Bremen, Atletico Madrid and Hamburg player has also previously been in charge of Basel and Chicago Fire during his managerial career.

David Hubert

The installation of the unproven Danny Rohl as manager in 2023 demonstrated Sheffield Wednesday are not averse to taking risks in their pursuit of success, with ex-Anderlecht manager David Hubert another potential left-field option to take the reins at the Owls.

37-year-old Hubert was in charge at Anderlecht from October 2024 to March 2025 before being removed from the high-profile position in his homeland.

A highly-rated young coach, the former Belgium international player will likely be keen to turn a new leaf following this experience at Anderlecht, with the opportunity to manage in England possibly an enticing prospect.