Next Hearts Manager: Contenders to replace Derek McInnes

We take a look at the contenders to be the next permanent manager of Hearts following reports linking Derek McInnes with a move to Rangers.

McInnes, who arrived at Tynecastle in May 2025, came agonisingly close to leading Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title last season before being pipped by Celtic on the final day.

Hearts have since lost club captain and top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland to Rangers and it is now being suggested that McInnes could be joining him at Ibrox.

Rangers manager Danny Rohl is reportedly on the verge of joining RB Salzburg and McInnes has been tipped as a leading contender to replace him.

Here are our top five contenders to be the next Hearts manager in the event that McInnes moves on this summer.

Next Hearts Manager Contenders

David Wagner

David Wagner has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Norwich City in May 2024.

Wagner had guided the Canaries into the Championship play-offs and he famously guided Huddersfield Town to the Premier League in 2017.

He has been linked with a number of positions in England in recent times but he is yet to return to the dugout.

John McGlynn

A familiar name to Hearts fans, John McGlynn spent eight months in charge at the club before being sacked in February 2013.

A lot has changed in the 13 years since and McGlynn has worked wonders at current club Falkirk.

After leading the club to back-to-back promotions, the 64-year-old oversaw an impressive sixth-placed finish in the top-flight last season.

Robbie Keane

The Republic of Ireland hero has won league titles as a manager in both Israel and Hungary.

He recently left his role at Ferencvaros and he has been linked with a number of roles.

Keane appeared to be in the frame for the Celtic job until they finally extended Martin O'Neill's contract, but a move to last season's title rivals could prove fruitful.

Rob Edwards

Would it be too soon for Rob Edwards after his sacking at Wolves?

The decision to part ways with Edwards is understandable following their relegation from the Premier League, but the timing was bizarre after he played a key part in the signings of Raul Jimenez and Kieran Trippier.

A move to Scotland could represent an ideal change of scenery and he is a character that would relish competing with the Old Firm clubs.

Steve Cooper

Another man looking for a new job is former England youth coach Steve Cooper.

He lasted just eight months at Brondby after their failure to secure European football.

Nevertheless, Cooper is a manager with a strong coaching background and a move to Edinburgh could suit both parties.