Huddersfield Town are reportedly eyeing former Premier League goalkeeper Lee Grant as a surprise candidate to fill their head coach vacancy ahead of the 2025/26 League One season.
The 42-year-old, who enjoyed a lengthy playing career with clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, and Derby County, is currently part of the coaching staff at Ipswich Town. Grant has been a trusted assistant under Kieran McKenna since 2022, but could now be in line for his first role as a manager.
Disappointing Campaign
According to reporter Alan Nixon, Grant is being considered by the Huddersfield hierarchy as they seek a new direction after a turbulent season. The Terriers were relegated from the Championship in 2024 and went on to finish a disappointing 10th in League One, leading to further unrest among supporters and criticism of the club’s leadership.
Michael Duff was dismissed in March following a poor run of form, and although academy boss Jon Worthington stepped in as interim head coach, he was unable to salvage the season. With several senior players released and backroom changes already underway, owner Kevin Nagle is pushing for a complete cultural reset at the club.
“In all my years of being in team ownership, across all sports, I have never had one collapse like this mid-season,” said Nagle earlier this month.
“That is a disease we will be eradicating this offseason, amongst other things. It starts with leadership and culture.”
Grant, who made 145 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday between 2007 and 2010, fits the club’s desire for fresh leadership with a blend of top-level experience and developmental credentials. He finished his playing career at Manchester United and transitioned directly into coaching, regarded highly for his professionalism and work with goalkeepers and young players.
Ruben Selles
Huddersfield have also been linked with former Hull City and Reading boss Ruben Selles, who remains a rival candidate for the post. While Selles offers experience in management, Grant would represent a bold and modern appointment in keeping with a trend towards promoting young, ambitious coaches from within elite club systems.
As Ipswich Town prepare for life back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether Grant would be permitted to leave. However, the opportunity to step into a leading role at a former rival club may prove too tempting for both parties.
Writer’s View
Lee Grant’s emergence as a serious candidate for the Huddersfield Town job is a sign of the club’s changing philosophy. They’ve opted against recycling names from the managerial merry-go-round and instead appear willing to gamble on a fresh face with modern methods and Premier League-level coaching exposure.
While Grant is untested at senior level, his pedigree, character, and grounding under Kieran McKenna are all assets that could help rebuild a club in need of vision and stability. Whether the Terriers go bold or safe will say a lot about their ambitions next season.
