Next Celtic Manager Odds: O'Neill & Postecoglou Head the Market
Brendan Rodgers has stepped down as Celtic manager, with the club confirming his resignation has been accepted with immediate effect and betting sites already offering next Celtic manager odds.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure, with Celtic currently sitting eight points behind league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
In the interim, Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney will oversee first-team duties while the club begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.
Rodgers leaves Glasgow having won multiple domestic honours across two spells in charge, but a difficult start to the current campaign ultimately prompted his departure.
At Free Bets, we've assessed four potential contenders who could take over at Celtic Park as the Glasgow club looks to kick-start its season.
Next Celtic Manager Odds
We've highlighted four potential candidates to replace Rodgers in the hot seat at Celtic Park, including the man he replaced in 2023.
| Candidate | Next Celtic Manager Odds |
| Martin O'Neill | 2/1 |
| Ange Postecgolou | 3/1 |
| Edin Terzic | 8/1 |
| Kjetil Knutsen | 8/1 |
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill has emerged as a sentimental yet serious contender to replace Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, a club where he remains a legendary figure.
O'Neill previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, guiding the club to three Scottish Premier League titles, three Scottish Cups, a League Cup, and a memorable run to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.
His five-year spell remains one of the most successful periods in the club's modern history, earning him enduring admiration from the Celtic Park faithful.
Now 71, O'Neill has been out of management since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019. However, his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the club's culture make him a compelling interim or short-term option.
With Celtic eight points behind Hearts, his leadership could bring stability and galvanise the squad. He's currently overseeing first-team matters alongside Shaun Maloney, fueling speculation that a return to the top job could follow.
While concerns about modern tactical demands may temper enthusiasm for a long-term appointment, O'Neill's management skills, motivational abilities, and iconic status give him instant credibility.
If Celtic are looking for a steadying presence with a winning pedigree, O'Neill would undoubtedly fit the bill.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange is a hugely popular figure among Celtic supporters after a trophy-laden first tenure.
The Australian coach won five of six domestic trophies during 2021–2023, including a league and cup double in 2021–22 and a domestic treble in 2022–23, while implementing an exciting attacking style of play often dubbed 'Angeball'.
Postecoglou left for the English Premier League in 2023 to join Tottenham, where he led them to Europa League glory this year before being sacked.
After a brief and tumultuous spell at Nottingham Forest, he is now out of work and open to a return to Celtic.
Given his strong ties to the club and proven success, it's no surprise that betting markets have installed Postecoglou as one of the early favourites to succeed Rodgers.
His familiarity with the club's expectations and the affection fans still hold for him would make Postecoglou a highly credible and reassuring appointment – if he is willing to come back to the East End of Glasgow.
Edin Terzic
Edin Terzic is one of the standout names linked with the Celtic job, having recently left Borussia Dortmund after guiding them to the 2024 Champions League final.
The 42-year-old also lifted the DFB-Pokal in 2021 and came within goal difference of winning the Bundesliga in 2023.
Known for his modern, attacking style and tactical flexibility, Terzic is a free agent after stepping down from Dortmund by mutual consent, making him an attractive option for Celtic without compensation fees.
He's turned down several offers since his departure, including from Monaco and Everton, signalling he's waiting for the right project.
While he lacks direct experience in Scottish football, his pedigree at the top level and player development record would suit Celtic's ambitions domestically and in Europe.
Kjetil Knutsen
For a choice based on managerial credentials and European pedigree, Kjetil Knutsen stands out.
The Norwegian coach has no direct Celtic ties, but he has earned a reputation as one of Europe's rising tacticians through his achievements with FK Bodo/Glimt.
Knutsen masterminded Bodo/Glimt's remarkable rise, winning multiple Norwegian league titles and even taking the club to the semi-finals of the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League.
He was heavily linked with the Celtic job in the summer of 2023 after Postecoglou's departure, although the club chose Rodgers at that time.
Knutsen's appeal lies in his attacking, high-pressing football philosophy and ability to develop players on a budget, which align well with Celtic's needs in both domestic and European competition, and hiring him would signal ambition to implement a long-term vision.
The question would be whether Celtic can persuade Knutsen to leave his homeland project – and whether he can adapt quickly to the pressure cooker of life in Glasgow.
Nevertheless, given his track record of success and prior links to the job, Knutsen remains a realistic and attractive candidate to replace Rodgers.
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