Oxford United have sacked Matt Bloomfield ahead of the 2026/27 League One season, ending his spell as men’s first team head coach after a relegation campaign. The club now moves straight into a search for a replacement, with the next appointment set to shape how they approach the division they dropped into in 22nd place.
Matt Bloomfield and Oxford United
“Oxford United can confirm the departure of Matt Bloomfield as men’s first team head coach.” The club added that he was appointed in January 2026 and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 season, which ended in relegation to League One. That is the clearest line through the decision: he was brought in to steady the team, but the season still finished with the club down.
Bloomfield’s time at Oxford United also carried broader context. The job was his fourth in management and his second in the Championship, and he arrived after Gary Rowett left. Oxford United said he represented the club with professionalism and integrity, yet the relegation outcome left the club moving on before the new campaign begins.
Gary Rowett to League One
The route to this point was set long before the dismissal. Bloomfield had begun his coaching career with Colchester United after a long playing career with Wycombe Wanderers, then returned to Wycombe Wanderers in 2023 and took over from Gareth Ainsworth. He later moved to Luton Town in January 2025, failed to keep them up, and was relieved of his duties in October of the following season before taking over in OX4 three months later.
Oxford United’s own statement paired the praise with the sacking. “We would like to thank Matt for his efforts and wish him every success in the future.” The club also said the process of appointing a new men’s first team head coach will begin immediately, so the reset is not theoretical — it starts now.
Oxford United search begins immediately
The practical consequence is simple for Oxford United: the next head coach will inherit a side that has already been judged on the 2025/26 season and must prepare for League One without delay. Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday were also relegated alongside Oxford United, but the club’s next decision now sits at the centre of its summer work, and the search will decide who leads the response.
