The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Hervé Jean-Marie Roger Renard as head coach of Côte d'Ivoire's national football team, marking the Frenchman's return 11 years after leading the Elephants to their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2015.

In a statement, the FIF said the appointment is part of its efforts to strengthen the national team's competitiveness ahead of upcoming international competitions. The governing body did not disclose the length of Renard's contract.

The 57-year-old is one of Africa's most successful national team coaches. In addition to guiding Côte d'Ivoire to the 2015 AFCON title, Renard won the 2012 tournament with Zambia, becoming the first coach to lift the continental trophy with two different national teams. He has also managed the national teams of Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the France women's team.

Renard's return comes as the Elephants prepare for their upcoming international fixtures, including qualification campaigns and the build-up to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He succeeds Emerse Faé, who guided Côte d'Ivoire to the 2023 AFCON title on home soil, and will be tasked with keeping the Elephants among Africa's leading football nations while overseeing the next phase of the team's development.

Renard's return has been widely welcomed by Ivorian supporters, many of whom still remember Côte d'Ivoire's 2015 continental triumph and hope the French coach can usher in another successful era for the Elephants.