Maccabi Haifa Candidate Rory Higgins Declines Interest

Northern Irish coach Rory Higgins has confirmed he was a candidate to replace Barak Bakhar at Maccabi Haifa but stated the role does not appeal to him. Higgins, currently coaching Coleraine, told Northern Irish media that while his name was on a "shortlist based on data," he is happy at his current club. "It's not something that appeals to me, that's the truth," Higgins said. The 42-year-old coach emphasized his contentment at Coleraine, citing the club's support for him and his staff as paramount. "I've never been looked after so well in my career... It would take a lot more than money to change that," he stated. Higgins's name surfaced in reports by British journalist Ben Jacobs on Tuesday, who indicated Maccabi Haifa had held initial talks with foreign coaches during the international break. Higgins, who previously served as chief scout for the Republic of Ireland national team and coached Derry City, led Coleraine to a cup victory last season. Despite his achievements, he expressed a desire for further personal and professional growth, particularly winning a league title as a coach, but reiterated his current happiness and the data-driven nature of modern football club recruitment.