Kenny Miller to Land in Israel and Be Named Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach

Kenny Miller is set to be appointed Maccabi Tel Aviv’s permanent head coach within the next 24 hours, following a report first revealed by ynet. His official presentation is expected before the team’s first training session on Monday at the club’s training base in Kiryat Shalom, and he is due to arrive in Israel today.

The decision was made by sporting director Steven van Herren last week, after internal discussions at the club in recent days. Miller had already spoken with several players starting last Monday, and Van Herren had told the Scottish coach that he would continue on the touchline next season. A source at the club said Miller may add another foreign assistant alongside Avi Rikan, who will stay on as an assistant coach.

Although the move appears natural after Miller’s success last season and the State Cup win, club officials did not treat it as an easy choice. Miller remains a relatively inexperienced coach, having worked only as an assistant to Ronny Deila until last season, following Deila at every club he has coached so far. His recent months learning Israeli football, willingness to stay in Israel despite the security situation, and familiarity with the squad all worked in his favor.

The tight schedule also helped settle the issue. Maccabi Tel Aviv will soon leave for a training camp and will face Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Toto Super Cup in about three weeks, making continuity valuable. After winning the State Cup final, players told the management they wanted Miller to stay, and the club never formally said goodbye when his contract ended. Van Herren also interviewed other candidates, including Miller in a Zoom meeting, before deciding he will lead the team in the 2026/27 season.