The former Wolves defender boasts a strong managerial résumé, having secured promotions with both Forest Green Rovers and Luton Town, as well as delivering an impressive early run with Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Edwards was named League Two Manager of the Season during his time at Forest Green, which led to a move to Watford. He later took charge at Luton Town and guided them to Premier League promotion via a playoff final victory over Coventry City.
During his first 11 matches with Middlesbrough, his side collected 25 points, earning wins against Swansea City, Millwall, Norwich City, Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Born in Telford, Edwards first wore Wolves’ gold and black in 2004, going on to make 111 appearances across four seasons under Mick McCarthy. His only goal for the club came in 2008 during a 4–2 defeat to Stoke City.
A Wales international with 15 caps, Edwards also featured for Blackpool—where he won promotion to the Premier League—and later enjoyed a spell with Barnsley.
His coaching journey began with Wolves’ under-18s in 2014, and in October 2016 he briefly stepped in as interim manager for two first-team matches following Walter Zenga’s departure. After managing AFC Telford United, Edwards returned to Wolves to lead the under-23s, guiding them to top-tier youth football for the first time.
Edwards was given permission to speak to Wolves after stepping aside from duties during Middlesbrough’s match against Birmingham City.
In a statement, he said:
“This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. Honestly, I wouldn’t have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club. Wolves is special to me—it’s where I grew as a player and as a coach, and it’s still home for my family. Returning has always been my dream, and opportunities like this don’t come around often.”
He will be joined by Harry Watling, who becomes assistant head coach. Watling has managerial experience with Hartford Athletic in the U.S. and with Ebbsfleet United, and later worked alongside Edwards at Middlesbrough. Additional backroom staff will be announced soon.
Following the international break, Edwards will lead Wolves for the first time when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 November.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi commented:
“I believe the club needs a reset. In the past we tried to revive the old cycle, but now we need a full refresh—from philosophy to identity—and that requires a new head coach. Rob will bring his own ideas and energy. After nearly a decade since the 2016 takeover, this marks a new chapter, and Rob will be central to it.”