Oxford United have dismissed head coach Matt Bloomfield following the club's relegation from the Championship, the club announced on Saturday.
The 42-year-old, who took over from Gary Rowett in January, was unable to steer the U's away from the relegation zone despite a promising run in late winter. Oxford finished the season in 22nd place, ending their two-year stay in the second tier.
"Matt has represented Oxford United with professionalism and integrity," a club statement read. "We thank him for his efforts and wish him well in the future. The search for a new head coach begins immediately."
Bloomfield arrived at the Kassam Stadium with the club in 23rd place, three points adrift of safety, after a run of one win in 10 games under Rowett. He managed to lift the team temporarily, winning three consecutive matches in late February and early March to climb to 21st. However, only two victories in the final eight fixtures saw them fall back into the drop zone.
Before Oxford, Bloomfield had been out of work since being sacked by Luton Town in October 2025. He started his managerial career at Colchester United before taking over at Wycombe Wanderers in 2023, leading them to automatic promotion in League One. He then moved to Luton but could not prevent successive relegations.
Speaking after relegation was confirmed in April, Bloomfield expressed confidence he would keep his job. "I've enjoyed my time here. It's not been the outcome we wanted, but I've not thought much about my job. As a manager, you focus on being the best you can be."
Oxford won promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs in 2024 and had been in the second tier for two seasons. The club will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach.