Celtic Begin Search for New Manager After Brendan Rodgers’ Shock Exit

Celtic are on the hunt for a new boss after Brendan Rodgers resigned from his position following a 3-1 loss to Hearts. Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond released a damning statement about Rodgers before springing another surprise by appointing former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill as interim boss while the club searches for a long-term successor.

But who could take over next?

Below, we’ve listed several potential candidates who could lead Celtic into a new era and help close the 8-point gap to surprise league leaders Hearts.

Who Is in the Running?

Ange Postecoglou

The former Celtic boss is currently out of work following a difficult spell in charge of Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. The 60-year-old Australian remains a hugely popular figure among Celtic supporters after a trophy-laden two-year spell at the club between 2021 and 2023. During his tenure, Postecoglou guided Celtic to back-to-back league titles, two Scottish League Cups, and a Scottish Cup. In his second season, he achieved a domestic treble before departing in the summer of 2023 to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Kieran McKenna

The Fermanagh-born coach gained recognition as a highly regarded assistant at Manchester United before taking over as Ipswich Town manager in December 2021. McKenna stabilized the team in his first season before leading them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Despite interest from Premier League clubs such as Brighton and Chelsea, McKenna stayed loyal to Ipswich, guiding them through their first top-flight campaign in 22 years. Though the team was relegated, he remains focused on returning them to the Premier League. McKenna’s brand of football aligns well with Celtic’s philosophy; a high-pressing, dynamic, and adaptable attacking style that resonates with the fans.

Robbie Keane

The Republic of Ireland’s all-time leading goal scorer has made promising strides in management. After winning the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he took charge of Hungarian giants Ferencváros in January 2025.

Keane led the side to the Hungarian league title, earning qualification for the 2025/26 Champions League qualifiers. Although they were eliminated by Qarabag, Ferencváros currently sit fifth in the domestic table, four points off the top after ten games. Keane also shares a history with Celtic, scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances during a loan spell in 2010.

Craig Bellamy

Like Postecoglou and Keane, Bellamy also has ties with Celtic. The current Wales manager enjoyed a successful loan spell in 2005, netting nine goals in 15 appearances and lifting the Scottish Cup.

After retiring as a player in 2014, Bellamy began coaching at Cardiff City before joining Anderlecht under Vincent Kompany. He later followed Kompany to Burnley before leaving in July 2024 to take charge of Wales. In his 14 matches as national team manager, Bellamy has recorded six wins, four draws, and four defeats, which is a solid start to his international career.

Kjetil Knutsen

Under his leadership, the Norwegian champions have become one of Europe’s most entertaining sides, thanks to their relentless attacking play and high-pressing intensity.

Since leading Bodø/Glimt to their first-ever Norwegian title in 2020, Knutsen has masterminded several memorable European victories, including a stunning 6-1 win over José Mourinho’s AS Roma in the 2021/22 UEFA Conference League.

He also oversaw a 5-1 aggregate victory over Postecoglou’s Celtic in the same competition and guided his team to the semi-finals of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League, where they fell to eventual champions Tottenham Hotspur, becoming the first Norwegian side ever to reach the final four of a major European competition.

Conclusion

Brendan Rodgers’ mid-season departure shocked many, leaving Celtic with a major decision as they aim to maintain domestic dominance and improve their European performances.

Ange Postecoglou would be a sentimental favourite and a proven winner, while Kjetil Knutsen offers a modern, high-octane approach that could excite fans. However, persuading him to leave Bodø/Glimt during an ongoing Champions League campaign may be a tough task.