We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Derby County as the pressure increases on John Eustace.
The Rams are currently 23rd in the Championship table following a poor start to the season that has seen them win just twice in the league.
However, Derby's 10-match winless run came to an end on Friday night as they picked up a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers.
Nevertheless, they remain four points from safety ahead of the international break.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Derby manager in the event that a change is made.
Next Derby County Manager Contenders
Rob Edwards
Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards has been been linked with various positions after being sacked on the eve of the new season.
After leaving Middlesbrough early in his tenure to join Wolves last season, Edwards was ultimiately unable to keep the club in the Premier League.
Edwards boasts a Championship promotion on his CV from his time at Luton Town and the former Wales international would be a shrewd appointment for the Rams.
Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper would not be the first manager to lead both Nottingham Forest and Derby, but it would certainly raise a few eyebrows in the East Midlands.
He famously guided Forest to the Premier League during his time at the City Ground and that would add some pressure if he ends up in the Pride Park hotseat.
He would also arrive with a point to prove after disappointing stints at Leicester City and Danish side Brondby in his last two roles.
Steven Gerrard
It feels as though it is only a matter of time before Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard returns to management.
Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 but he failed to have the desired impact at Aston Villa in a subsequent role.
He has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025 and a return at Championship level would make sense.
Nuno Espirito Santo
Could it be a quick return to the dugout for Nuno Espirito Santo?
He has only recently been relieved of his duties at West Ham United and he would quickly have his mindset shifted from a promotion challenge to a relegation tussle.
Nevertheless, it would be an ambitious appointment for Derby, even though the Portuguese coach is another manager who worked his magic at the City Ground.
Gary Rowett
Gary Rowett is still out of work following his departure from Leicester City at the end of last season.
The 52-year-old would provide a vast amount of experience having managed over 600 matches in the football league.
He has managed Derby before but he left under a cloud when departing in the summer of 2018.
