Celtic’s pursuit of a new manager has taken another turn, with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy now emerging as a serious contender for the Hoops job.
The Scottish Sun report that the Frenchman has moved to the front of the queue to succeed Brendan Rodgers, who departed the club late last month.
Nancy, 48, has been in charge of the MLS side since December 2022 and is widely credited with transforming their style and mentality. His first campaign brought instant success as he guided the Crew to the 2023 MLS Cup.
The following year was even more impressive, Columbus broke multiple club records for points, goals and goal difference while also reaching the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Nancy was rightfully named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.
This season has been more of a mixed bag. The Crew finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and bowed out in the first round of the play-offs, falling short of the heights they reached previously. Still, the consistency of his philosophy and the way his sides play attractive, front-foot football have kept his reputation high.
Celtic’s head of football operations Paul Tisdale, appointed in October 2024, is believed to be the driving force behind the current managerial search. It’s understood he holds Nancy in high regard, with a personal link adding to the story. Nancy’s assistant, Kwame Ampadu, worked under Tisdale during his time as Exeter City boss. The pair’s strong working relationship could smooth any potential move to Glasgow, with Ampadu expected to join Nancy should a deal be struck.
Football – Exeter City Photo Call , Stock Season 00/01
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Brandon Malone
Exeter City’s Kwame Ampadu
Tisdale was tasked with identifying Rodgers’ successor shortly after the manager’s surprise departure. Having operated quietly behind the scenes since arriving at Celtic Park, he’s now front and centre of one of the club’s most important decisions.
Nancy’s success in MLS, his coaching pedigree, and his links to Tisdale make him a compelling candidate. Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen is still in contention, but right now it’s clear the Frenchman has jumped ahead in the race to take charge of the Scottish champions as the 2025/26 season unfolds.
