The man who said no to Rangers twice is finally saying yes. Derek McInnes has agreed a deal to become the new head coach at Ibrox, replacing the departing Danny Röhl in what amounts to a full-circle moment for the former Rangers midfielder.
McInnes, currently in charge at Heart of Midlothian, will make the switch after leading Hearts to a runners-up finish in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership. Rangers and Hearts are negotiating a compensation package reportedly in the vicinity of £700K.
From twice rejected to finally accepted
Rangers came calling in 2015 while McInnes was managing Aberdeen. He turned them down. They came calling again in 2017. Same answer.
Now, with Röhl expected to depart for RB Salzburg, the timing has shifted. McInnes arrives as a manager riding the momentum of arguably his best season in management. Leading Hearts to within touching distance of a Premiership title, falling just short on the final day of the season, raises his stock considerably.
