Wolverhampton Wanderers have dismissed head coach Rob Edwards following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season. The club confirmed the decision on June 11, 2026, after a comprehensive review of the football operation [1, 2, 3].
Edwards, 43, was appointed Wolves head coach in November 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract, joining from Middlesbrough [1, 2, 3]. However, his tenure saw poor results as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League with only 20 points and 27 goals scored. Edwards won just 3 out of 38 games across all competitions during this period [1, 2, 3].
Wolves' relegation in April 2026 ended an eight-season run in the English top flight [2, 3]. Executive Chairman Nathan Shi said the decision to sack Edwards was not about his character or professionalism but aimed to give Wolves the strongest chance to progress from a sporting perspective. "This has been an extremely difficult decision. Following the end of the season, we undertook a thorough review of every aspect of the football operation," Shi said [2].
Edwards previously managed Luton Town, Forest Green Rovers, and Watford. He also played for Wolves from 2004 to 2008 [1, 2, 3]. In a recent Q&A, Edwards acknowledged his squad’s struggles, stating, "We're a collective and I'll take responsibility of course but it's not an effort thing, it's the fact that we're the worst team in the league. That's the bottom line" [1].
Wolves Technical Director Matt Jackson expressed support for Edwards but underlined the need for alignment to rebuild the squad ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign. "The plan and the goal is to get promoted straight away but we understand a lot of change has to take place. If there isn't alignment here, we're dead in the water before we start," Jackson said [1].
Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto, currently with Gil Vicente, has been linked as a potential replacement for Edwards [1, 2, 3]. Wolves will continue their search as they prepare for the 2026-27 season in the EFL Championship.
