Bloomfield had remained without a position since his departure as Luton manager in October 2025.

He joined Oxford while the side occupied 23rd spot in the Championship and trailed safety by three points, stepping in after Rowett had presided over just one victory across ten fixtures.

Bloomfield launched his managerial path at Colchester United and later replaced Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers during 2023.

Having steered the Chairboys into the League One automatic promotion positions despite the presence of high-spending Birmingham City and Wrexham last season, he moved on to Luton.

Yet Bloomfield proved unable to halt the Hatters from enduring successive relegations into the third tier and was removed following a disappointing start that left the club 11th in the standings.

After Oxford's relegation was sealed in April, Bloomfield voiced confidence about remaining in charge.

"I've enjoyed my time at the club. It's obviously not been the outcome that we wanted for the season," he said.

"We've been pleasantly content with some of the improvements we have made but ultimately we wanted to stay in the league.

"I've not given much thought to my job and the bigger situation and ultimately, as a manager or head coach, all you can do is focus on being the best you can be."

Analysis - Jerome Sale, BBC Radio Oxford sports editor

The choice would not have surprised many six weeks earlier, immediately after Oxford's relegation to League One was confirmed.

Matt Bloomfield's January arrival to succeed Gary Rowett arrived without great attention and his effect built slowly rather than swiftly. He tested various approaches, and some players proved unsuitable once he fixed on a system.

Results advanced but not sufficiently to avoid the drop. The side simply lost momentum during the final matches.

Still the key question lingers: Why now rather than at that earlier point?

Since the campaign concluded the club has undergone a leadership change with Dusan Bogdanovic installed as chairman. A former professional and agent, he brings limited background in English football yet appears set to engage more directly with on-field matters than his predecessor.

No additions have been secured for the next season so far, an issue that must be addressed without delay. This moment may represent the latest feasible point for a managerial shift without risking selection of an unsuitable head coach.

On the timing, it appears a replacement is already identified and their schedule may influence the decision.

Despite the relegation, Oxford United retains strong ambitions and moves with urgency. In recent weeks the club has activated steps to accelerate the judicial review of its new stadium project.

They took a chance on Bloomfield preserving Oxford's Championship status, but as with Luton the prior year he fell just short. The club has opted against extending that risk into League One.

Removing a head coach is the straightforward step. As always with a managerial change, the true test arrives with the selection of the successor.