Who are the top contenders for the Celtic head coach job?
In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple candidates have surfaced as potential replacements for the former boss.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Scottish club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, putting them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
A number of potential appointees have already begun to surface for the position, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing candidate to get Celtic back on a positive track.
However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to secure the young manager.
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth approximately £5 million pounds per year.
Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager.
Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six defeats in all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is available.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.
The Former Celtic Striker
Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.
The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a short stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a domestic double last year.
He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his first season.
It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic opening.
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 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the position.
Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the national side could be difficult.
Martin O'Neill
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 last role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."
O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
