We have taken a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Derby County following their disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.
Derby's winless run in the Championship is set to extend to six matches as they trail 3-0 at half-time to Queens Park Rangers.
The Rams were languishing in the relegation zone prior to their trip to the capital with just one league win so far this campaign.
Manager John Eustace has received criticism from some sections of the Derby support, who were also not happy with the club's business during the summer transfer window.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Derby manager in the event that a change is made in the dugout.
Next Derby County Manager Contenders
Steve Cooper
It would raise a few eyebrows if it happens, but Steve Cooper would not be the first manager to lead both Nottingham Forest and Derby.
He famously guided Forest to the Premier League during his time at the City Ground and he would certainly have to win over the Rams supporters.
Regardless of his time at Forest, he would arrive with a point to prove after disappointing tenures at both Leicester City and Danish side Brondby.
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard would be an eye-catching appointment in the East Midlands.
Gerrard famously guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 but he failed to have the desired impact at Aston Villa in a subsequent role.
The 46-year-old has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January 2025 and a return to English football at Championship level would make sense.
Dave Challinor
Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor has already been linked with various EFL positions this season.
Challinor departed Edgeley Park following Stockport's defeat to Bolton Wanderers in last season's League One play-off final.
He has achieved a play-off finish or better in each of his 15 full campaigns as a manager and it would not be a surprise to see him land a Championship job.
John Mousinho
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has performed well in his role at Fratton Park since taking over in January 2023.
After guiding the club to promotion from League One, Mousinho has stabilised the club in the Championship in the last two years.
He was strongly linked with Bristol City at the end of last season and he could be open to a potential approach from Derby.
Paul Heckingbottom
Paul Heckingbottom was sacked by Championship strugglers Preston North End last month.
He paid the price for a poor start to the season which saw the Lilywhites lose six of their first seven Championship fixtures.
Heckingbottom was linked with the Bradford City job before the Bantams opted to bring in Michael Duff as Graham Alexander's replacement.
