Who stand as the primary prospects for the Glasgow Celtic head coach job?

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have come to light as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points adrift in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

Several candidates have already started to emerge for the position, among them some figures with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could encounter a significant financial cost to secure the young manager.

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth approximately £5 million per season.

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested 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 one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, managed only 39 days at the club 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 defeats across all competitions, but he is still 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 domestic treble 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 fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief 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 league and cup double last year.

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.

It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also understood 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—securing six victories, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be committed to the role.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, including 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 sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a permanent manager is selected."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.