Who stand as the leading contenders for the Celtic head coach position?
Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of potential successors have emerged as possible long-term successors for the former boss.
Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim 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 adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."
Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the position, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.
However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to snap up the young manager.
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, said to be worth approximately ÂŁ5 million per year.
Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their interest.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the club 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 losses in all competitions, but he is still highly regarded 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 domestic treble in his second campaign.
The Former Celtic Striker
Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.
The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following a short period 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 won the championship during his inaugural 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 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the role.
Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the Welsh team could be challenging.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."
O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
