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Kieran McKenna revealed he would be "dedicating some time" to his family following his shocking decision to resign from his role at Ipswich Town after guiding the club back to the Premier League.
The ex-Manchester United assistant spent the last four and a half years at Portman Road after departing Old Trafford in January 2021. McKenna led Ipswich from England's third division to the top flight through back-to-back promotions, and following a disappointing 19th-place finish in 2024–25, the Tractor Boys clinched another return to the Premier League on the final day of the Championship season in May.
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Yet, despite the prospect of another opportunity in the world's most competitive league, McKenna shocked many with his resignation announcement on Wednesday.
"It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club," the 40-year-old said in an official club statement.
"When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club."
What's Next for the Highly Coveted McKenna?
McKenna's immediate future appears to be out of the managerial spotlight—at least for now.
"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far," he stated.
However, how long he stays away from the dugout remains to be seen.
Even while contracted at Ipswich, McKenna's name was consistently mentioned in discussions surrounding various managerial vacancies. The highly regarded tactician has ties to United and his former club Tottenham Hotspur, while also having three promotions in four years on his résumé. The moment the first managerial casualty of the 2026–27 Premier League season occurs, McKenna's name will inevitably resurface.
Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton was clearly disheartened by the departure. "Like so many, I am of course gutted that our journey together has come to an end," Ashton said, "but I understand and respect the decision he has made after five incredibly intense years."