Former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend can see merits for Mick McCarthy or Stephen Kenny replacing Martin O'Neill but says change in the FAI is an even bigger priority than a new manager.
On the day Brighton boss Chris Hughton ruled himself out of the running to replace O'Neill, former boss McCarthy and Dundalk manager Kenny were standing as the two apparent front-runners.
McCarthy is expected to meet with the Football Association of Ireland this weekend to discuss returning for a second spell in charge, while Kenny has said it would be the "ultimate honour" to land the job.
The FAI is hoping to make a swift appointment, with the draw for the Euro 2020 finals due to take place in Dublin on December 2.
"Mick has done the job, he's very experienced, he's been around the block and this is a turbulent time in Irish football in many ways. He's not going to be fazed by anything," Townsend told Sky Sports' Debate show.
"Stephen Kenny is a League of Ireland manager who's done exceptionally well and there's something quite interesting about giving the job to someone like him.
"It's quite exciting to see someone like Stephen in with a chance, but you also want to qualify and with Mick's experience, he would score heavily with that."
Townsend believes change is also needed in the corridors of power at the FAI, starting with chief executive John Delaney.
"The problem for me is that the biggest change needs to happen (upstairs), that has to be sooner rather than later," he added.
"I think that may be easier for someone like Mick to handle. There's no suggestion John Delaney should pass the baton on, but he should."
