Former Rangers playing and coaching duo Neil McCann and Billy Dodds have been confirmed as the new management team at Kilmarnock, completing a Rangers-linked appointment that will run until the summer of 2028.
Kilmarnock confirmed McCann as their new first-team manager, with Dodds joining him as assistant, as the club looks to arrest a difficult league campaign and pull clear of relegation danger.
The Rugby Park side are currently languishing in the play-off position, five points adrift of 10th-placed St Mirren but clear of rock-bottom Livingston by four, following the departure of Stuart Kettlewell in December.
For Rangers supporters, the appointment carries added significance.
McCann and Dodds spent the second half of last season working alongside Barry Ferguson in the Rangers coaching setup, gaining recent experience inside Ibrox at a time of transition.
Their move to Rugby Park now represents a clear step back into frontline management for the pair.
In a statement confirming the appointment, Kilmarnock outlined why McCann emerged as their preferred candidate following an extensive search that included interviews with Robbie Neilson and strong interest in Aberdeen interim boss Peter Leven.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Neil McCann as the club’s new first-team manager, with Billy Dodds joining him as assistant manager until the end of the 2027/28 season,” the club said.
“Neil brings significant experience of the Scottish game, both as a player and as a manager, alongside a clear understanding of what is required to compete at the highest level of domestic football.”
McCann, 51, previously managed Dundee between 2017 and 2018 and has remained a prominent figure within Scottish football since, both in coaching and media roles.
His Rangers pedigree, as a former player and coach, is viewed internally as a strength rather than a distraction.
Kilmarnock’s board stressed that the decision was made with long-term stability firmly in mind.
“We fully understand how important it was to get this appointment right,” the Board of Directors said.
“After a thorough process, we are assured that Neil and Billy have the qualities, experience, and character required to lead Kilmarnock Football Club forward.
“We have complete faith in their ability to do what needs to be done to keep this club competing in the Scottish Premiership.”
Dodds inclusion adds further Rangers DNA to the Rugby Park dugout.
A former Scotland international and experienced coach, Dodds is widely respected for his work with attacking players and his ability to connect with dressing rooms under pressure.
Since his retirement in 2006 following a short stint with Partick Thistle, Dodds has had spells coaching at Ibrox along with spells at Queen of the South, Dundee and Ross County – along with a spell as manager at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He also had a short interim-player/manager spell at Dundee United during his playing career.
“Billy Dodds adds further depth to the management team, offering extensive playing and coaching experience within Scottish football and a proven ability to work closely with players at the highest level,” the club added.
The board also highlighted how closely the new management team aligns with Kilmarnock’s identity.
“Both Neil and Billy know the Scottish league inside out, understand its demands, and share a vision that aligns strongly with the culture and values of this football club.”
For Rangers, the appointment represents another example of former Ibrox figures moving into influential roles across the Premiership. For Kilmarnock, it is a decisive attempt to spark a revival at a critical stage of the season.
As the club enters what it described as “an important new chapter”, McCann and Dodds arrive with immediate pressure on their shoulders - and a Rangers-honed understanding of what it takes to survive and compete at the top end of Scottish football.
The pair will return to Ibrox next month as Killie make the journey north to Ibrox on February 4.
The pairs first match in charge will be in next weekend’s cup clash with Dundee at Rugby Park – with tonight’s away Scottish Premiership match with Livingston postponed.