Franck Haise Set to Take Reins at Rennes with Familiar Faces

Former RC Lens and OGC Nice manager Franck Haise is poised to become the new head coach of Stade Rennais, replacing Habib Beye, according to multiple reports. The appointment, still awaiting official confirmation as of February 17, 2026, marks a return to the club for Haise, who previously worked as a youth coach at Rennes.

Beye’s Departure and Haise’s Arrival

Beye’s dismissal followed a 3-1 defeat against Lens on February 9, 2026, and reports of tension with senior players, including goalkeeper Brice Samba. Haise, available after leaving OGC Nice in December, presents a fresh start for the Brittany-based club. Yahoo Sports first reported the expected change.

A Lens Reunion in Brittany

Haise won’t be arriving at Rennes alone. He is expected to bring his former RC Lens assistants, Lilian Nalis and Johann Ramaré, who also joined him at OGC Nice, Lensois.com reports. The Rennes squad already includes several former Lens players, including Brice Samba and Przemyslaw Frankowski. Hervé Sekli, previously the goalkeeping coach at Lens, followed Samba to Rennes in the winter of 2024-2025, and Laurent Bessière, currently responsible for the club’s performance, also has ties to the club.

Familiar Leadership

Adding to the “RC Rennes” atmosphere, the club is led by president Arnaud Pouille, who previously served as the general director at RC Lens. Allez Lens highlights the significant presence of individuals with Lens connections within the Rennes organization.

Potential Debut and Future Outlook

Haise could potentially make his debut in the Roazhon Park dugout for Friday’s Ligue 1 game against league leaders PSG. He has signed a contract through 2027. He will have approximately a dozen matches to improve the team’s performance and push for European qualification.