Maccabi Haifa Manager Search Hits Snag as Rory Higgins Declines Offer
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Maccabi Haifa's search for a new manager has been complicated after Northern Irish coach Rory Higgins confirmed he was approached but declined the offer, stating it "does not appeal" to him. Higgins, currently leading Coleraine in a title race and having won the cup last season, cited personal reasons and a strong commitment to his current club. The Israeli club is seeking a replacement for Barak Bakhar, who resigned after a significant loss.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rory Higgins confirmed Maccabi Haifa approached him for their manager position but he declined.
- Higgins stated the role "does not appeal to me" and cited personal reasons for his refusal.
- The Northern Irish manager is currently leading Coleraine in a close league title race.
- Maccabi Haifa is searching for a replacement for former manager Barak Bakhar.
- Higgins previously won the Northern Irish Cup with Coleraine last season.
Maccabi Haifa's search for a new manager has encountered a setback as Northern Irish coach Rory Higgins has reportedly turned down an approach from the Israeli club. Higgins, currently managing Coleraine, confirmed he was contacted about the possibility of taking over at Maccabi Haifa following the departure of Barak Bakhar. However, the 42-year-old manager stated that the role did not appeal to him, despite being on a shortlist of candidates.
Higgins told the 'Belfast Telegraph' that he received a call indicating Maccabi Haifa's interest and that he was among a select group of potential candidates. He explained his decision to decline, stating, "It's a personal thing for me why, but no. There was definitely something in it, but you know how clubs work these days. It's all very data-driven and computerised. All I know is I was on a shortlist, a data-driven shortlist, but it's not something that appeals to me, that's the truth."
The reports emerged two days after British journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Higgins was a target for Maccabi Haifa, who are looking to appoint a new coach during the international break. The club reportedly initiated preliminary talks with several foreign managers after Bakhar resigned following a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Maccabi Netanya. While Maccabi Haifa denied Higgins' candidacy, the manager himself confirmed the interest, even if no official offer was made.
Higgins emphasized that his decision was not solely financial. He expressed contentment with his current role at Coleraine, citing excellent treatment from the club's management and a strong commitment to the team and its people. He indicated that even a significant financial improvement would not necessarily change his mind, suggesting that "a lot more than money" would be needed to persuade him to leave.
Higgins joined Coleraine in May 2025, having previously managed Derry City and served as an assistant coach at Dundalk and chief scout for the Republic of Ireland national team. Last season, he led Coleraine to win the Northern Irish Cup, and this season his team is in close contention for the league title, currently sitting second with 35 points after 15 rounds, just one point behind leaders Linfield. This season marks the club's centenary, and Higgins hopes to lead them to their first league championship since 1974.
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