Blackburn Rovers’ summer chase for Slaven Bilic has ended in disappointment after the 57-year-old agreed to return to international management with Croatia.

What happened?

Rovers identified Bilic as their top target to replace Michael O’Neill in June, but talks stalled over compensation terms linked to his sacking clause. Tony Mowbray was appointed instead, but the club’s pursuit of Bilic shows how highly they rated the Split-born coach. Bilic last managed in England with Watford in 2022/23, where he lasted 26 games before the Hornets’ board pulled the plug.

Why Bilic walked away from Ewood Park

Bilic’s Championship pedigree—West Brom to 10th in 2018/19 and Watford in 2022/23—made him a prime candidate for Rovers. Yet the club and Bilic couldn’t agree on the financial fallout if his Croatia reign ended early. Rovers’ hierarchy moved on to Mowbray, but the failed pursuit leaves questions over their recruitment process. As of 14 Jul 2026, Rovers sit 20th in the Championship with 52 points from 46 games, 43 points behind leaders Coventry.

What it means for Rovers’ dugout

Mowbray inherits a side that has scored 42 and conceded 56 this season, with a goal difference of -14. The board’s quick pivot to Mowbray suggests they want stability after Valerien Ismael’s 11-game stint ended in February. Sections of the fanbase may argue Bilic was the better man for the job, especially if Mowbray struggles to turn around a side that has lost five of its last six matches.

Bilic’s next chapter

Bilic’s last club role was with Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh in 2023/24. His return to international management marks a full 14 years since he left the Croatia job in 2012. The move reunites him with a national side he guided to the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals, ending a 20-year wait for the nation at the tournament.