Senegal FA consider former AFCON winner Hervé Renard for Teranga Lions coaching job

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) is reportedly considering experienced French coach Hervé Renard as a potential successor to Pape Thiaw following his departure as head coach of the Lions of Teranga.

Thiaw has been shown the exit door after Senegal’s disappointing elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.

The result brought an end to Senegal’s tournament campaign and reportedly increased pressure on the technical team, with several reports suggesting that Thiaw and members of his coaching staff decided to step down after failing to meet expectations.

Following the sacking of Thiaw, the Senegal FA has begun exploring possible options to lead the national team into a new era, with Renard emerging as one of the coaches being considered.

The French tactician brings vast international experience, having managed several national teams across Africa and achieved major success on the continent. His name is particularly respected in African football after guiding Zambia national football team to victory at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and later leading Ivory Coast national football team to the 2015 AFCON title.

Renard’s most recent national team assignment was with Tunisia national football team, where he left his position following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Carthage Eagles struggled at the tournament and failed to advance from the group stage after losing all three of their matches against Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands.

Despite Tunisia’s difficult campaign, Renard remains highly regarded because of his previous achievements and his ability to manage teams competing at major international tournaments.

For Senegal, the appointment of a coach with Renard’s experience could represent an attempt to maintain their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations while rebuilding after their World Cup disappointment.

The Lions of Teranga have enjoyed a successful period in recent years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations and consistently competing at the highest level of international football. Any new coach will be tasked with maintaining that momentum while introducing fresh ideas and preparing the team for future challenges.

Renard’s familiarity with African football, his experience working with different national teams and his ability to handle pressure at major tournaments are believed to be among the factors attracting interest from the Senegalese authorities.

However, the Senegal Football Federation has not yet made any official announcement regarding Thiaw’s successor, and discussions over the next head coach are still ongoing.

For now, Hervé Renard remains one of the leading names under consideration as Senegal begins the search for the coach who will guide the Lions of Teranga into their next chapter.