Who are the leading candidates for the Celtic head coach job?

Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of potential successors have emerged as potential 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 stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

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

O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Several potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to get Celtic back on a winning track.

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth around £5 million pounds per season.

Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship following 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 exit, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 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 ties and six losses across all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led 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 open to the Celtic opening.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought to have supporters at Celtic.

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed to the role.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could prove difficult.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's last position 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 remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.