We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Ipswich Town as they continue to search for Kieran McKenna's successor.
The Tractor Boys sealed an immediate return to the Premier League after gaining automatic promotion from the Championship last season.
Ipswich were relegated from the top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign after previously winning back-to-back promotions under McKenna.
However, the Northern Irish manager has decided to step down to take a break away from football following a momentous five years at Portman Road.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Ipswich manager.
Next Ipswich Manager Contenders
Gary O'Neil
Strasbourg boss Gary O'Neil has emerged as one of the leading contenders to be the next Ipswich manager.
The former Bournemouth and Wolves developed a solid reputation in England before securing the Ligue 1 role in January.
O'Neil is a tactically astute manager who has perhaps been unfortunate in his previous coaching positions in the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been mooted as a potential contender for a move to Ipswich this summer.
The former Manchester United player and manager has been out of work since being sacked at Besiktas in August 2025.
Solksjaer is keen to return to management in English football and he won't get many better opportunities to go straight back into the top-flight.
Kjetil Knutsen
Norwegian manager Kjetil Knutsen has been linked with various positions across Europe following his excellent work in his home country.
Knutsen has worked wonders with Bodo/Glimt after leading the club to four league titles.
They have also punched above their weight on the European stage and it is surely only a matter of time before he lands a job in a major league.
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has been in charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah since December 2025.
The 53-year-old won the Scottish Premiership title four times with Celtic and he also lifted the FA Cup with Leicester City.
Rodgers has a wealth of experience in English football and he would be quite the coup for Ipswich.
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior will be eager to rebuild his managerial reputation after lasting just three months in the Chelsea job.
The former Hull City boss had earned widespread acclaim for his work at Strasbourg before he was named Enzo Maresca's successor.
Rosenior would certainly have less egos to contend with at Portman Road than at Stamford Bridge and he would surely jump at the chance to go back in at Premier League level.
