Brendan Rodgers' resignation has ignited a hailstorm at Celtic Park due to the unceremonious manner of his departure. The Northern Irishman called it quits following Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, which leaves the Bhoys eight points behind them in the title race.
There was a clear breakdown that ensued between Rodgers and the higher-ups, and that much was made clear by the brutal statement given by majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
But dwelling on the Rodgers' resignation will leave a sour taste in the mouth, and instead the only focus should be on the future. A permanent replacement will be sought while Martin O'Neill returns to Parkhead on an interim basis.
Here are five lead candidates for the job and their strengths and weaknesses for such a high-profile role.
Celtic's managerial shortlist to replace Brendan Rodgers
Ange Postecoglou
Celtic could hand Ange Postecoglou his third managerial job in the space of a year if they decide to turn to the Australian once O'Neill's caretaker spell ends. It's a reunion that most fans will likely be on board with, given the success achieved while he was previously at the helm.
Postecoglou led the Bhoys to back-to-back SPL titles and a domestic treble while implementing an exciting brand of football. He won the hearts of the passionate fanbase thanks to his intense personality and affection for the Scottish giants.
The 60-year-old is an enticing option given he's available after he was sacked by Nottingham Forest after just eight games in charge. A nightmare spell at the City Ground has given his reputation an almighty knock, and this came after a 17th-place finish in the Premier League with Tottenham.
But Postecoglou steered Spurs to the Europa League that campaign which is the North Londoners' most outstanding accolade for decades. He would be eager to prove himself if given another run in the Parkhead hotseat.
Kieran McKenna
The bookies' favorite to succeed Rodgers is Kieran McKenna, who has earned plaudits while in charge of Ipswich Town. His Tractor Boys may have suffered relegation last season, but it was astonishing that they'd achieved Premier League promotion.
McKenna has been at the Portman Road since December 2021 and in that time taken his team from League One to the English top-flight. He's one of the most highly-regarded young tacticians in British football and has a football philosophy that could really resonate with the Hoops.
Celtic will reportedly have to pay a release clause if they wish to lure the Northern Irishman to Scotland. He signed a new four-year deal in the summer of 2024 after previous links to Manchester United and Chelsea.
Robbie Keane
Moving for Robbie Keane could be a risk worth taking given he's familiar with the club and would immediately have fans backing him to be a success. Keane spent a brief spell on loan back in 2009-10, managing a remarkable record of 16 goals in 19 appearances.
Keane is currently head coach of Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros and oversaw a title win last season. He arrived in January 2024 after a previous stint as manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv which resulted in another league title but also a cup triumph.
The 45-year-old is thought to be open to replacing Rodgers and returning to Parkhead. The Irishman feels a promising option given his background and rise in football management.
Craig Bellamy
Another former Celtic striker who has turned to management in his post playing days is Craig Bellamy. The Welshman is the Wales national team coach and has been in the role since last year and his stock is growing.
Bellamy is attempting to guide his country to next year's FIFA World Cup, with the Dragons sat third in their qualifying group. They will at least be playing in the play-offs and one has to assume he'll be eager to take his nation over the line, possibly making him an unlikely candidate.
Kjetil Knutsen
There have been some bold appointments made by Celtic over the years, but risks such as Postecoglou paid off. The hierarchy may view Norwegian tactician Kjetil Knutsen as a similar option because he's proven a hit back in his homeland.
Knutsen, previously linked with Leeds United, is a three-time Eliteserien Coach of the Year and has overseen the most successful period in Bodo/Glimt's history. He led the Norwegian outfit to last season's Europa League semi-finals and has four titles to his name.