Jim McGuinness is being considered for a sensational return to the Donegal hotseat, RTÉ Sport understands.
The 2012 All-Ireland winning manager has been in discussion with key stakeholders in the county in recent weeks, with talks advancing over the last few days as they seek to find a replacement for Aidan O'Rourke who stepped down at the end of the 2023 campaign having acted as interim manager following Paddy Carr’s departure.
RTÉ Sport understands that McGuinness had been sounded out by members of the panel a number of weeks ago to see if he would be receptive to a second stint in charge, and the Glenties man didn’t reject the notion and has since met county board officials.
His appointment would be a welcome relief after what was a tumultuous season in the Tir Chonaill County.
Carr had only been appointed last October but stepped down in March after "discussion with some senior members" of the Donegal panel.
That led to O’Rourke, a coach under Carr, stepping up, with the 2002 All-Ireland winning earning praise for steadying the ship in the All-Ireland group stages.
Following their preliminary quarter-final exit at the hands of Tyrone, O’Rourke indicated that he was not seeking to continue in the position and expressions of interest were sought.
Nine in total showed interest with a committee including former Donegal legends Anthony Molloy and Martin McHugh set to help with the search.
McGuinness had a highly successful first spell in charge of the county, resulting in three Ulster titles and Donegal’s second-ever All-Ireland after their defeat of Mayo in 2012 showpiece.
He stepped down in October 2014 and has been involved with a number of soccer clubs since, including Scottish giants Celtic, Beijing Guoan of China while he was appointed head coach of Charlotte Independence in America.
He hasn’t managed a GAA team since leaving Donegal, but has been involved with numerous sides at county and club level as a coach.
McGuinness revealed that he was open to being part of a management team with Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh for the 2023 season following Declan Bonner's departure, but it never materialised.
Whoever does eventually land the post, they will not be able to talk five-time All-Star Michael Murphy out of retirement with the 2012 captain confirming to RTÉ Sport that he has no plans to reverse his decision.
