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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have come to light as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his initial stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last 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 "serving as a caretaker."

Multiple candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the role, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

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

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.

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 open to a move.

Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest 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 revered by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a short stint 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 won the championship during his inaugural season.

It is understood Keane would be open to the Celtic opening.

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.

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

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated to the position.

Wales are third 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 prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was dismissed 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 first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.