Danny Rohl Withdraws from Rangers Head Coach Race

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has withdrawn from the race to become the next Rangers head coach, dealing a fresh setback to the club’s managerial search.

The 36-year-old German becomes the second candidate in five days to pull out of contention, following Steven Gerrard’s decision to reject a return to Ibrox for a second spell in charge.

Rohl had been viewed as a strong contender to replace the sacked Russell Martin, but has now formally informed Rangers that he no longer wishes to be considered for the role.

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Muscat remains a key name in the frame. However, the Scottish Premiership side may have to wait until late November, as the Australian is currently in charge of Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League, with four matches remaining in their campaign.

Club sources have indicated that Rangers are still considering multiple candidates, despite Rohl’s exit from the process.

The German coach previously held positive discussions with the club, but Rangers are determined to take their time over the appointment of their next head coach — even at the risk of losing leading candidates.

Rohl, who has held coaching roles at RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich, and served as assistant coach for the German national team, was appointed by Sheffield Wednesday in October 2023, becoming the youngest manager in the English Football League at the time. He guided the club to safety, securing a mid-table finish the following season, but departed in the summer amid ownership and financial turbulence.

The news of Rohl’s withdrawal comes on the same day former Rangers midfielder Derek McInnes distanced himself from the vacancy, insisting his focus remains on keeping Heart of Midlothian at the top of the Premiership table.

Russell Martin’s tenure at Ibrox came to an end after just 17 matches, with Rangers sitting eighth in the table and having won only one of their last six league fixtures. Their European campaign has also been disappointing, with a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in Champions League qualifying and consecutive losses to open their Europa League group stage.

Rangers return to domestic action on Saturday, when they host Dundee United at Ibrox.