Rangers’ hunt for a new permanent manager has taken another unexpected turn after German coach Danny Röhl withdrew from contention for the Ibrox role.
The 35-year-old, who famously masterminded Sheffield Wednesday’s miraculous Championship survival last season, had been one of the early favourites to replace Russell Martin — but is now understood to have turned down the opportunity after holding informal discussions.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Röhl’s withdrawal marks a major blow for Rangers’ recruitment team, who have been scrambling to identify a replacement since Martin’s sacking earlier this month. The former Southampton boss lasted just 123 days in charge, the shortest tenure of any permanent Rangers manager, after overseeing only one victory in 7 Premiership matches.
The Glasgow club were believed to have viewed Röhl as a leading candidate due to his tactical acumen, modern coaching style, and ability to inspire dramatic turnarounds — traits that earned him widespread praise during his short but successful stint at Hillsborough.
Arriving in late 2023 with the Owls rooted to the foot of the Championship table, the German guided them to safety in one of the most remarkable escapes in recent EFL history. His achievements were described as “unbelievable” and “amazing” by pundits and players alike.
Before stepping into senior management, Röhl built a strong reputation behind the scenes, serving as an assistant at Bayern Munich and Southampton. His experience under elite managers such as Hansi Flick and Ralph Hasenhüttl had made him a compelling option for Rangers, who were looking to combine youth, innovation, and discipline in their next appointment.
However, GIVEMESPORT and other outlets now report that Röhl has informed the Rangers hierarchy that he will not be pursuing the role. His decision leaves the Scottish giants reassessing their shortlist, with Kevin Muscat, the former Yokohama F. Marinos boss, believed to remain a leading contender.
Danny Rohl is out the race to become Rangers manager. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss held talks last week, but has decided to withdraw from the process.❌
🤝 @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/uA8CdsWGB6
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 15, 2025
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
Rangers’ managerial search has become increasingly complicated. Early rumours of a sensational return for Steven Gerrard were swiftly dismissed, while the prospect of landing Röhl had offered a blend of tactical modernity and long-term vision. With both now out of the frame, uncertainty grows over who can steady the ship and restore domestic dominance.
The timing could hardly be worse for the Ibrox side, who are already falling behind rivals Celtic in the Premiership and face a crucial run of fixtures across league and European competition. The club’s fanbase, long accustomed to challenging for every available trophy, has voiced frustration at the perceived lack of clarity from the board following Martin’s brief and turbulent tenure.
Danny Rohl has informed Rangers he has withdrawn from the process to become the new Ibrox head coach.https://t.co/upMFjBTcbM
— Chris Jack (@Chris_Jack89) October 15, 2025
Röhl’s choice to walk away is understood to be rooted in both personal and professional factors. After a draining year at Wednesday and a series of approaches from across Europe, he is thought to be prioritising the right project over immediate return.
Some close to the coach believe he is waiting for another Championship or Bundesliga opportunity, with several clubs monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ search continues amid calls for stability and direction. The club’s directors are under mounting pressure to appoint a manager capable of implementing a coherent long-term plan after a cycle of short-lived regimes. Muscat’s attacking style and previous ties to the Ibrox setup make him an attractive option, but financial considerations and the timing of the approach could yet complicate negotiations.
For supporters, the situation has become emblematic of a wider identity struggle at the club: balancing tradition with the demands of modern football. Röhl’s withdrawal removes one of the most promising young tacticians from the equation, forcing Rangers to look elsewhere at a time when they can least afford missteps.
