Steve Clarke is gone. Scotland's search for his successor is already under way, with the next international window only weeks away. Clarke resigned on Saturday night after Scotland's World Cup 2026 group-stage exit was confirmed.
The Scottish Football Association has yet to announce a formal shortlist, but potential candidates are already being discussed. The new head coach is expected to be in place before September's internationals.
The Leading Candidates to Replace Steve Clarke
The standout name is David Moyes. The 63-year-old is one of Scotland's most experienced managers and was a Scotland youth international captain. He has previously said he would be open to managing Scotland and, in an interview with talkSPORT, described the role as "a really good job."
The question is timing. Moyes appears settled at Everton and has spoken positively about staying there.
Ange Postecoglou is another name attracting serious interest. The former Celtic manager spent two seasons in Scotland between 2021 and 2023, winning five domestic trophies while transforming the team's style of play. Now out of work, he remains a realistic option.
Former Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand is another experienced option. He led Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals before leaving the role in 2024 and has the international tournament experience Scotland may value ahead of Euro 2028.
Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith and former Rangers caretaker Barry Ferguson have also been linked with the role. Another outside option is Kieran McKenna, whose work at Ipswich Town has earned widespread praise.
At 40, he is among the youngest managers under consideration and has built a reputation for improving teams beyond expectations.
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Why Scotland's Next Head Coach Faces a Huge Opportunity
The Scottish FA vacancy comes at a pivotal time. Scotland is guaranteed a place at Euro 2028 as one of the tournament's co-hosts alongside England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. The next head coach will begin with the rare opportunity of leading the national team at a home European Championship.
Before then, Scotland's new head coach will have little time to settle. The 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign begins on September 26 with an away trip to Slovenia, followed by matches against Switzerland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia again before the end of October.
The final two group games are scheduled for November. With the Nations League starting less than three months away, the Scottish FA is expected to appoint Clarke's successor quickly.
What The New Scotland Head Coach Inherits From Steve Clarke
The next manager will not be starting from scratch. Clarke leaves behind an experienced core led by Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, and Lawrence Shankland, with Billy Gilmour and a promising younger generation also coming through.
The squad qualified for three consecutive major tournaments. They won a World Cup game for the first time since 1990. The fanbase is reconnected and passionate. These are strong foundations. The next challenge is to turn qualification into knockout success.
Under Clarke, Scotland reached three major tournaments but exited at the group stage each time. With Euro 2028 at home, his successor will have the chance, and the expectation, to take the team further.
