Who stand as the leading prospects for the Celtic head coach role?
In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, several potential successors have surfaced as possible replacements for the former boss.
Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
Multiple candidates have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some names with strong links to the club.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to get Celtic back on a positive footing.
However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a significant financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million pounds per year.
Furthermore, it is believed he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their interest.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the City Ground and became the shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager.
Postecoglou did not secure a victory in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign.
The Former Celtic Striker
Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led them to a domestic double last year.
He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his first season.
It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.
The Wales National Team Manager
Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought to have admirers at Celtic.
The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.
Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.
The Interim Manager
Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, among them three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
