Who Could Replace Rodgers at Celtic? The Long-Term Options

Rodgers is gone, and the hunt for his replacement is already underway. But let’s be clear: Celtic need a long-term appointment who can handle European nights, domestic pressure, and the often tricky boardroom politics. Anything short of a manager with real experience and ambition risks repeating the frustrations fans have seen in recent years.

Here’s a realistic look at the candidates who could step into Rodgers’ shoes.

Ange Postecoglou — the fan favourite

Ange remains the clear favourite among supporters. He knows Celtic inside out, has a proven attacking philosophy, and understands European competition. The key question is whether he would risk his legacy returning under a board that hasn’t always provided guarantees. With promises of backing and transfer control, he’s the dream return. Without that, it’s a high-risk but potentially high-reward move.

Verdict: Ideal if the board can deliver the autonomy and support he would demand.

Marco Rose — experienced European operator

Rose brings Bundesliga and Champions League experience, modern tactics, and a strong player management record. The concern is whether a manager of his calibre would take on a club currently dealing with internal board disputes and the public undermining of previous managers. Full control and stability would be non-negotiable for him.

Verdict: Excellent European-level candidate, but only if the board can guarantee structure and autonomy.

Kjetil Knutsen — the modern project builder

Knutsen has turned Bodø/Glimt into a sustainable, attacking team competing in European qualifiers, with clever recruitment and profitable player sales. He represents a long-term strategic hire capable of transforming Celtic into a modern, efficient club. But he would need a clear project, full transfer autonomy, and time to implement his vision.

Verdict: The blueprint for a sustainable, European-focused future, if the board is patient and disciplined.

Shaun Maloney — internal continuity option

Maloney is already at Celtic in a developmental role, overseeing loans and player pathways. He knows the club and the dressing room culture, making him an internal option. However, he is unproven at the top European level, and fans may see him as too “internal” or cautious if the club is chasing ambitious progress.

Verdict: Continuity option, but not a bold, ambitious choice.

Damien Duff — promising but untested

Duff has made a name for himself in Ireland, most recently at Shelbourne. He brings fresh ideas and attacking instincts, but he’s unproven at top-tier European clubs. While he could energise the squad and youth pathways, Celtic might be asking too much too soon, especially given European ambitions.

Verdict: Exciting long-term project but a risky immediate leap.

Kieran McKenna — young talent, unlikely available

McKenna has impressed at Ipswich and is seen as tactically sharp and modern. However, chasing promotion with Ipswich makes a move to Celtic unlikely in the near term. He remains a potential future option rather than a candidate ready to step in immediately.

Verdict: Interesting future option, but not immediately available.

Scott Brown — loyal club man, not top-level proven

Brown is starting to build his coaching career at Ayr and has intimate knowledge of Celtic culture. But like Maloney, he’s untested at a high level and unlikely to deliver the European or ambitious domestic push fans want after Rodgers.

Verdict: A sentimental choice, but not a solution for ambition or long-term European progress.

Honourable Mentions

Honourable mentions who could move into the fray given their employment status/previous links with the club include Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Sølskjær and Robbie Keane.

The Bottom Line

Celtic’s next appointment must be ambitious, experienced, and capable of delivering both domestically and in Europe. The real candidates for that are Ange, Rose, and Knutsen (unlikely). Maloney, Brown and Duff offer internal continuity or long-term potential, but they are not the bold, ambitious options supporters are craving. McKenna is interesting, but is unrealistic given his current position.

Anything less than a manager with proven experience or a transformative vision risks repeating past frustrations. The next hire must come with authority, transfer control, and genuine board backing — otherwise even the best manager will struggle.