Hearts target McInnes as new head coach, formal move imminent
Hearts have identified Derek McInnes as their top choice to become the club’s next head coach and have informed Kilmarnock of their plans to formally approach him on Monday. The Tynecastle outfit contacted their Rugby Park counterparts over the weekend, outlining their intention to open negotiations for the 53-year-old.
McInnes, currently under contract with Killie until 2027, is viewed as the leading candidate to replace Neil Critchley, who was sacked last month. Hearts are prepared to pay the six-figure release clause in his deal, and talks could begin within the next 24 hours. If all proceeds smoothly, McInnes could be in the dugout for Wednesday’s Premiership clash against St Johnstone. Failing that, his debut could come against his current side on the final day of the league campaign.
The former Aberdeen boss is open to the move, with his name high on the shortlist compiled by Hearts and their recruitment partners, Jamestown Analytics. The club is prioritising a coach with extensive experience in Scottish football, and McInnes’ record at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock has made him an attractive option for the long term.
McInnes led Aberdeen from 2013 to 2021, securing four second-place finishes and delivering the 2013/14 League Cup. He also guided the Dons to multiple cup finals and turned down job offers from Rangers and Sunderland in 2017. Appointed by Kilmarnock in January 2022, he won promotion back to the top flight that same year and took them to a fourth-place finish last season—securing a spot in European qualifiers and earning Manager of the Year honours from the Scottish Football Writers.
Sporting director Graeme Jones has led the coaching search following the departures of Critchley and assistant Mike Garrity. Interim boss Liam Fox has steadied the ship with two key wins, but the Hearts board believe McInnes’ experience can elevate the team back into top-tier contention.
