Who are the primary contenders for the Glasgow Celtic head coach job?
In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have emerged as potential replacements for the former boss.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could take up the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
Several potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive prospect to get Celtic back on a winning footing.
However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to snap up the 39-year-old.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million per season.
Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their inquiry.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.
McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 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 ties and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic supporters and is available.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief period 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 believed Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.
The Wales National Team Manager
Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have supporters at Celtic.
The former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be committed to the position.
Wales are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the national side could prove challenging.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's last position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is appointed."
O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
