Who are the top candidates for the Celtic head coach job?
Following Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have emerged as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could take up the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
Multiple candidates have already begun to surface for the position, among them some names with strong links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a winning track.
However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a significant financial bill to secure the young manager.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, said to be worth approximately £5 million pounds per year.
Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack 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 summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest 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 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 clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who fully 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 Best Performer for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a short period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led them to a domestic double last year.
He assumed control 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 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, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be committed to the position.
Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the national side could be difficult.
The Interim Manager
Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven honors, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's last role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected."
O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.