Kieran McKenna has resigned as Ipswich Town manager just weeks after securing promotion to the Premier League. The 40-year-old took the helm in 2021, leading the team to three promotions in four seasons, including two that brought them back to the top flight.

Ipswich finished as runners-up in the Championship in May, marking their return to elite football for the 2026-27 season. In light of McKenna's departure, Gary O'Neil, currently the manager of Strasbourg and a former head coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is among the candidates being considered to take over. O'Neil, who has connections to Ipswich's rivals Norwich City, is viewed favorably at Portman Road.

McKenna's resignation comes amid speculation linking him to the Fulham job after Marco Silva's exit. However, McKenna emphasized his decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family. "I feel this is the right time for me to step aside," he stated, expressing pride in the progress made during his tenure.

After leaving a coaching position at Manchester United, McKenna took over a struggling Ipswich side in December 2021. He achieved a remarkable turnaround, earning the League Managers Association's manager of the year award in 2024 after back-to-back promotions. Over his time in charge, he won 105 of his 222 matches.

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton expressed his disappointment at losing McKenna, highlighting his significant impact on the club and its community. "Achieving three promotions in four seasons is an achievement which means Kieran is now rightly discussed in the same breath as the legends of this club," Ashton remarked.