Five coaches who could replace Emerse Faé as Ivory Coast head coach

Ivory Coast are preparing to appoint a new head coach after Emerse Faé’s contract expired, bringing an end to a successful spell that included the Elephants’ triumph at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and their historic run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Faé, who was given the job permanently in February 2024 after guiding Ivory Coast to the AFCON title on home soil following Jean-Louis Gasset’s departure during the tournament, leaves behind a team widely regarded as one of the continent’s most promising.

The 42-year-old departs after overseeing one of the most memorable periods in the nation’s recent football history. Although the Elephants were eliminated by Norway in their first World Cup knockout match, the squad he leaves includes a talented young generation featuring Yan Diomandé, Amad Diallo, Bazoumana Touré, Ousmane Diomandé and Christ Inao Oulaï.

The reasons behind Faé’s departure remain unclear.

According to rumours relayed by journalist Magate, Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Sports pushed for his removal despite Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) president Idriss Diallo wanting him to remain in charge. The same reports suggested alleged conflicts of interest involving Faé’s wife, a players’ agent, together with criticism of the team’s cautious approach during the World Cup and the defeat by Norway, contributed to the situation.

However, those claims remain attributed to their reported source, with the FIF only confirming that its collaboration with Faé had come to an end.

The federation’s search for a successor could also be influenced by its upcoming internal elections, with the next leadership expected to play a role in selecting the national team’s new coach. According to the report, Faé preferred to leave rather than accept a short-term contract extension.

Several names have already emerged as potential candidates.

Former Ivory Coast captain Kolo Touré is among those linked with the role. Having earned 120 international caps between 2000 and 2015, he is well acquainted with the national team environment and briefly served on the Elephants’ coaching staff in 2017.

Since retiring, Touré has worked under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester City before joining Pep Guardiola’s coaching team at Manchester City. However, his only experience as a senior head coach ended after nine winless matches with Wigan Athletic, making his candidacy both attractive and uncertain.

His brother, Yaya Touré, has also been mentioned.

The former midfielder has built coaching experience with Olimpik Donetsk, Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, Standard Liège and Saudi Arabia’s national team as an assistant to Roberto Mancini. He has also cited Frank Rijkaard as one of the biggest influences on his coaching philosophy.

Yet Yaya Touré recently accepted his first senior managerial position with Slovan Bratislava on a three-year contract, making an immediate move to Ivory Coast appear unlikely.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is another name under consideration.

Born in Abidjan, the Franco-Malian coach guided Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON before taking charge of Nigeria in January 2025. Although the Super Eagles failed to overcome DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs, he later led them to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Chelle recently extended his contract with Nigeria and reportedly received improved terms and additional responsibilities. According to Foot Mercato, Algeria have also shown interest in the coach.

Former Morocco manager Walid Regragui has also been linked with the vacancy.

Available since leaving Morocco in March, Regragui guided the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup before winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His experience in major tournaments and ability to build cohesive squads make him one of the most accomplished candidates.

Whether he wishes to take charge of another African national team immediately remains uncertain, with his name also linked to Pyramids FC and clubs in Ecuador.

Another familiar figure is Hervé Renard.

According to British journalist Pete O’Rourke, the French coach is among the leading candidates to return to the Ivory Coast job, while journalist Romain Molina reports that he has the backing of FIF president Idriss Diallo.

Renard previously guided the Elephants to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title and has since managed Morocco, Saudi Arabia on two occasions, the France women’s national team and Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup.

Despite reported interest from Algeria, South Africa, Senegal and South Korea, his experience, success in African football and previous achievements with Ivory Coast make him one of the strongest contenders should the federation decide to pursue a reunion.

With several experienced and high-profile candidates linked to the role, the Ivorian Football Federation must now decide whether to continue building on the foundations laid by Emerse Faé or begin a new era under different leadership.