Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager, effective immediately. The club confirmed the departure on Monday, October 27, 2025, following Celtic's 3-1 defeat to Hearts the previous day, which left the defending champions eight points behind the Edinburgh side in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic announced that former manager Martin O'Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take charge of the team on an interim basis. O'Neill's return marks his second spell with the club, having previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005.

In a club statement, Celtic expressed their appreciation for Rodgers' contributions during his two successful periods with the club. "Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation," the statement read. "It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. The Club appreciates Brendan's contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club." The club also wished him success in the future.

The statement also confirmed that the process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and that the club will provide further updates as soon as possible. In the meantime, O'Neill and Maloney have agreed to take charge of first-team matters.

Rodgers' departure comes after a challenging start to the season for Celtic. The defeat to Hearts was their second league loss of the season, and they are already trailing in the title race. His exit has occurred just over 24 hours after the loss to Hearts.

Dermot Desmond, Celtic's majority shareholder, released a statement expressing his disappointment with the way the past several months have unfolded. He acknowledged Rodgers' contribution to the club but also criticized his conduct and communication in recent months. Desmond also refuted Rodgers' public comments regarding the club's transfer policy, stating that every player signed or sold during his tenure was done with Rodgers' full knowledge, approval, and endorsement.

O'Neill's return to Celtic has been welcomed by many fans, who remember his successful spell in charge of the club in the early 2000s. He will be assisted by Maloney, who also has a strong connection to the club. Celtic face Falkirk at Celtic Park on Wednesday before facing Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final at Hampden on Sunday. These two games are seen as crucial for Celtic's season.