More detail has emerged around John Kennedy’s departure from Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, with new insight suggesting the long-serving coach was not given the option to remain at the club.
When Rodgers stepped down from his role back in October, it was clear there would be significant upheaval behind the scenes.
Several members of his backroom team moved on in the immediate aftermath, but Kennedy’s exit stood out more than most.
He had been a constant presence at Celtic for years, serving under multiple managers and widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and best coaches at the club.
In the days following Rodgers’ departure, there was uncertainty around Kennedy’s future.
His deep ties to Celtic and previous spells working under interim setups led many to believe he might stay on in some capacity.
Celtic later confirmed that he had left alongside Rodgers, but the circumstances surrounding that decision were never fully explained.
Now, former Celtic coach Darren O’Dea has shed light on what actually happened, and his comments suggest Kennedy’s exit was not a matter of personal choice.
“My understanding was he wasn’t asked to stay. He was gone,” O’Dea said on Open Goal. “That’s my understanding of it. It wasn’t a kind of conversation. He left with Brendan.”
That revelation will surprise many supporters. Kennedy was not only highly regarded internally, but also viewed as someone who embodied the club’s values and continuity during periods of transition. To hear that he was effectively told he was leaving, rather than being consulted or retained, raises fresh questions about how decisions were made during that turbulent period.
Kennedy had worked closely with Brendan Rodgers during his time at Celtic, but his experience at the club stretched far beyond that single managerial era. Losing someone of that standing, without even a discussion, will be viewed by many as a missed opportunity for stability.
With hindsight, and given the chaos that followed Rodgers’ exit, Kennedy’s departure now feels even more significant. At a time when Celtic badly needed continuity and institutional knowledge, one of the most experienced figures in the building was shown the door.
