Next Rangers manager contenders amid Danny Rohl potential exit

Rangers boss Danny Rohl is reportedly the number one target for RB Salzburg in their search for a new head coach.

According to Sky Sports' Florian Pettenburg, the Austrian Bundesliga side have been in contact with Rangers concerning a possible deal as they push to acquire Daniel Beichler's permanent successor.

Rohl has history with Red Bull's multi-club franchise having worked at RB Leipzig in the early stages of his coaching career.

The German was named Rangers head coach in October 2025 and had performed a marvellous job to haul the Glasgow giants into Scottish Premiership title contention after inheriting the Ibrox reins following Russell Martin's ill-fated tenure, but three straight defeats after the split tarnished their recovery.

A 3-1 Old Firm loss heightened the pressure on Rohl with serious questions being asked of his side's fragile mentality. The Gers ultimately finished the season in third, 10 points adrift of winners Celtic.

If Rohl does depart, we look at the candidates in the frame to replace him at Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard

The stage appeared set for Steven Gerrard's return following Martin's dismissal following posititve initial talks, but the former Gers boss ultimately turned down the opportunity of a second stint.

A combination of issues resulted in Gerrard withdrawing from the race to succeed Martin and the timing of the situation was believed to be a critical factor.

Over eight months have passed since then and the Liverpool legend has expressed his desire to return to the dugout sooner rather than later, with links to Burnley and Fulham in recent weeks.

Gerrard is still a popular candidate amongst the Rangers hierarchy and would likely be their first port of call if Rohl was to leave - but that's only if no other club has acquired him first.

Kevin Muscat

Gerrard wasn't the only managerial figure Rangers approached in their protracted search for Martin's successor as they reportedly had a long-term deal in place for Kevin Muscat, only for the move to collapse with the Australian intent on seeing out the Chinese Super League season.

Muscat's decision was later vindicated as he led Shanghai Port to back-to-back league titles. Although negotiations fizzled out, Muscat's loyalty shouldn't detract from his suitability to the Rangers job.

The former Light Blues defender has won titles in Australia, Japan and China to become one of the most successful coaches outside of Europe and South America. It's a path similar to his compatriot Ange Postecoglou, and we all know how triumphant he was during his stint on the other side of Glasgow.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy has emerged as a prime candidate for several jobs including the vacant position at Burnley, while the Welshman had also been linked to Celtic.

His future as the head coach of the Wales national team has been put under the spotlight after they fell agonisingly short of qualification for this summer's World Cup, although Bellamy has reiterated he remains fully committed to his current role.

Bellamy is contracted to the Wales job until after Euro 2028, but his deal does include a £700,000 release clause.

Implementing an intense, attack-minded and possession-oriented style on the international stage, it would be intriguing to see Bellamy transition his methods into club football.

Derek McInnes

Rangers have already poached Hearts' captain, so why not try for the managerial figure that orchestrated their title charge last term?

McInnes' outfit ultimately fell short in their quest for a first Scottish Premiership crown since 1960 as they were defeated on the final day by champions Celtic, but the outcome shouldn't detract from the excellent work the 54-year-old has undertaken at Tynecastle.

McInnes has been consistently linked with the Rangers job over the years and was a contender to take over when Martin was both appointed and sacked.

He turned down Rangers before whilst in charge of Aberdeen, would McInnes do it again?