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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Derek McInnes Departs Hearts FC to Join Rangers; Club Accelerates Head Coach Search

Derek McInnes has left Hearts FC to join Rangers on a three-year deal, with compensation agreed between the clubs for McInnes and assistants Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin. Hearts FC is actively searching for a replacement head coach, targeting an appointment before the squad reports for pre-season on June 25.





Quick Facts
Who
Derek McInnes
What
Derek McInnes left his position as Head Coach at Hearts FC
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Hearts FC / Tynecastle Park
- Derek McInnes left his position as Head Coach at Hearts FC
- McInnes joined Rangers FC
- Assistants Archibald and Sheerin followed McInnes to Rangers
- Hearts initiated search for new head coach
- McInnes led Hearts to record points total
Heart of Midlothian confirmed on June 17, 2026, that Derek McInnes has left his position as Head Coach to join Rangers. The move was finalized after Rangers met the requested compensation terms for McInnes and his assistants, Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin. McInnes has signed a three-year deal at Ibrox, replacing Danny Rohl who was announced as RB Salzburg's new manager earlier that day.
McInnes' departure marks the end of a successful tenure at Tynecastle. In his season leading Hearts, he oversaw a remarkable turnaround, taking over a side that had finished in the bottom six and steering them to a first league title challenge in 20 years. Under his leadership, Hearts achieved a record points total and went unbeaten at home in league fixtures while winning at both Celtic Park and Ibrox. The team led the Scottish Premiership for much of the season before narrowly losing out to Celtic on the final day following a controversial week.
Hearts is now pressing forward with appointing a new head coach. Sporting director Graeme Jones is leading the search, with informal talks having already begun with candidates over the weekend and interviews taking place during the week. The club aims to have a new head coach in place by the beginning of the following week, before the first-team squad reports for pre-season training on June 25. At least three candidates from abroad are among those being considered.
The timing of the appointment is critical as Hearts prepares for the new season, including a Champions League second-round qualifier against Sturm Graz scheduled for July 21/22 in Austria, with the return leg at Tynecastle a week later. The squad will also participate in a warm-weather training camp in Spain beginning June 29.
In a statement, Hearts emphasized that despite McInnes' departure, the club's ambitions and commitment to success remain unchanged, attributing the club's progress to clear strategy, significant investment, and strong foundations that extend beyond any individual. The club expressed gratitude to McInnes, Archibald, and Sheerin for their contributions during their time at Tynecastle.
Topics
Why This Matters
McInnes' departure represents a significant shift in Scottish football leadership during a critical transition period. Hearts must quickly stabilize its coaching structure to maintain momentum ahead of Champions League qualifying and a domestic title defense, while Rangers aims to capitalize on managerial expertise to strengthen its competitive position. This move directly impacts both clubs' preparations for the upcoming season and European competition.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireDerek McInnes confirmed as new head coach of Rangers FC; Danny Rohl announced as RB Salzburg manager
Jun 17, 2026
WireHearts FC public announcement of McInnes' departure and initiation of head coach search
Jun 18, 2026
WireOfficial Hearts FC club statement published confirming McInnes and assistants' departure
Jun 25, 2026
WireHearts squad reports for pre-season training at Oriam
Jun 29, 2026
WireHearts depart for warm-weather training camp in Spain