Five Next Rangers Manager Candidates Including Hearts Boss Amid Danny Rohl Exit Talks

Rangers could be forced into another major decision this summer after reports emerged linking head coach Danny Rohl with a move away from Ibrox. The German manager, who only arrived at the club after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, is now said to be in talks with Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg over their vacant managerial position. The news has come as a surprise to many supporters because Rohl had only recently begun his work in Glasgow and there was hope that he would be the man to lead Rangers back to the top of Scottish football.

With the summer transfer window about to open, the timing of the reports has created uncertainty around the club. Rangers are preparing for an important season and the board had hoped to continue building under Rohl. However, if Salzburg succeed in convincing the 37-year-old to move to Austria, Rangers will once again find themselves searching for a new manager.

The club has experienced several managerial changes in recent years and supporters are desperate for stability. Many fans believed Rohl could be the man to bring fresh ideas and a modern approach to the team. His work at Sheffield Wednesday earned him plenty of praise, and Rangers were convinced they had appointed one of the brightest young coaches in Europe. Now, with his future suddenly uncertain, attention has turned towards possible replacements.

Several names are already being discussed among supporters and pundits. Some are familiar faces, while others are managers who have impressed elsewhere. Whoever eventually takes charge would inherit enormous expectations because Rangers supporters demand success and will expect the next manager to challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title.

One name that immediately stands out is Derek McInnes. The Hearts manager has enjoyed a fantastic season and guided the Edinburgh club to an impressive finish above Rangers in the Premiership. His achievements have once again strengthened his reputation as one of Scotland’s best managers.

McInnes is no stranger to being linked with Rangers. In fact, his name has appeared regularly whenever the manager’s job has become available. Back in 2017, while he was in charge of Aberdeen, he famously rejected the opportunity to move to Ibrox. At the time, many supporters were disappointed, but McInnes chose to remain with Aberdeen and continue the project he had started there.

Nearly a decade later, things are different. Rangers are in a stronger position and McInnes has continued to develop as a manager. His work with Hearts has attracted widespread admiration and many people believe the timing could finally be right for him to make the move to Glasgow.

He has plenty of experience in Scottish football and understands the pressure that comes with managing a big club. That experience could prove valuable, especially with Rangers desperate to return to the top. McInnes has shown throughout his career that he can build competitive teams and get the best out of players. If Rohl leaves, many supporters expect his name to dominate discussions.

Another name that never disappears from conversations about Rangers is Steven Gerrard. The former Liverpool captain remains one of the most popular figures at Ibrox and his achievements during his first spell at the club have not been forgotten.

Gerrard ended Celtic’s hopes of winning ten league titles in a row when he guided Rangers to the Premiership title in 2021. It was a historic campaign and one that secured his place in Rangers folklore. Many fans still remember the excitement and pride they felt during that season.

Since leaving Rangers for Aston Villa, Gerrard’s managerial career has experienced mixed fortunes. His spell in the Premier League ended in disappointment, and he later moved to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq. However, he left the club last year and has been without a job ever since.

Reports suggested that Rangers considered bringing him back before appointing Danny Rohl, but the move never materialised. Despite that, supporters continue to dream about a return for the Englishman. His connection with the club remains strong and many fans believe unfinished business still exists between Gerrard and Rangers.

The challenge for the board would be convincing him that returning to Scotland is the right move. He has regularly been linked with positions in England and may still have ambitions to manage in the Premier League again. Nevertheless, Rangers supporters know what he can bring and many would welcome him back with open arms.

Rob Edwards is another interesting candidate. The English manager recently became available after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers, a decision that surprised many people in football. Despite suffering relegation, Edwards continues to enjoy a strong reputation because of the work he has done throughout his coaching career.

He has earned praise for his tactical approach and his ability to improve players. Several clubs in England are expected to monitor his situation, meaning Rangers could face serious competition if they decided to pursue him.

For some supporters, Edwards would represent an exciting appointment. He is considered a modern coach who likes attacking football and places great importance on developing young talent. Rangers have shown in recent years that they are willing to look beyond traditional choices, and Edwards could fit that profile.

However, convincing him to move north of the border may not be easy. Championship clubs in England are likely to be interested, and those opportunities could prove attractive. Still, managing Rangers is a huge job and one that comes with the opportunity to compete for trophies and play European football.

Kevin Muscat is another familiar name. It almost feels impossible for a Rangers managerial vacancy to appear without the Australian being linked with the position. His connection to the club goes back to his playing days between 2002 and 2003, and he has enjoyed considerable success as a manager.

Muscat has won league titles in Australia, Japan and China, establishing himself as one of the most respected coaches outside Europe. He is currently in charge of Shanghai Port and continues to enjoy success in the Chinese Super League.

Reports last year suggested that Muscat came close to becoming Rangers manager, but complications surrounding his contract prevented a deal from being completed. Because of that, many supporters believe he could once again emerge as a serious contender.

His knowledge of Rangers and understanding of what it means to represent the club could work in his favour. Supporters often appreciate managers who understand the culture and expectations associated with Ibrox. Muscat’s experience as both a player and coach means he would arrive with a clear understanding of the demands that come with the role.

Another advantage is his winning mentality. Everywhere he has managed, Muscat has developed a reputation for demanding high standards and creating teams that play with intensity. Those qualities are highly valued by Rangers supporters, who want to see a side capable of challenging for honours both domestically and in Europe.

Sean Dyche is another manager whose name refuses to go away. He has been linked with Rangers on several occasions over the years. The first rumours emerged in 2022, and his name surfaced again before the appointment of Danny Rohl.

Dyche has built a reputation as one of the most experienced managers in English football. His achievements with Burnley earned widespread respect, particularly his ability to keep the club competitive against teams with much larger budgets. More recently, he experienced a difficult period with Nottingham Forest, but his reputation remains largely intact.

At previous times, Dyche was believed to be reluctant to move to Scotland. However, circumstances change quickly in football, and some supporters believe he could be more open to the challenge now.

Many fans would see Dyche as a safe pair of hands. His experience and leadership qualities are undeniable, and he has spent years managing under pressure. He knows how to organise teams and has shown that he can achieve success despite financial limitations.

Of course, every managerial appointment carries risk. Rangers cannot afford another mistake because supporters are desperate to see the club reclaim the Scottish Premiership title and compete strongly in Europe. The board must carefully consider every option and make sure they appoint someone capable of delivering success.

Danny Rohl’s future remains uncertain, and until a decision is made, Rangers supporters can only wait. Red Bull Salzburg are a prestigious club with a strong reputation for developing players and competing in European competitions. The opportunity may prove difficult for Rohl to ignore.

For Rangers, losing another manager so soon would be frustrating, particularly after all the excitement surrounding his appointment. However, football moves quickly and clubs must always prepare for unexpected situations.

Whether the next manager is Derek McInnes, Steven Gerrard, Rob Edwards, Kevin Muscat or Sean Dyche, one thing is certain. Expectations at Ibrox will remain incredibly high. Supporters want trophies, success and a team capable of restoring Rangers to the top of Scottish football.

The coming weeks could prove crucial. As the transfer window opens and preparations for the new season begin, everyone connected with Rangers will hope uncertainty can be resolved quickly. But if Danny Rohl decides his future lies in Austria, the race to become the next Rangers manager could become one of the biggest stories of the summer.