Former Ghana assistant coach Herve Renard, who led Zambia to the African Nations Cup title in 2012, was on Thursday named as Ivory Coast coach.
The Frenchman takes à over à of Africa's second-highest ranked team from Sabri Lamouchi, whose contract was not renewed after the Ivorians failed to get past the first round at the World Cup in Brazil last month.
The 45-year-old Renard was chosen ahead of compatriot Frederic Antonetti and Portuguese coach Manuel Jose on a final shortlist of candidates.
Renard left Zambia after last year's World Cup qualifiers and took over at Ligue 1 club Sochaux but was unable to save them from relegation in May.