Former player, respected youth coach, then head coach with 200 Ligue 1 matches to his name, Franck Haise takes charge of the Rouge et Noir professional team. A coach at the SRFC Academy between 2006 and 2012, the man who was notably named Ligue 1 Coach of the Year in 2023 returns to a place close to his heart.
Having played for Rouen, Laval and Angers as a defender, Franck Haise took his first steps as a coach at Stade Mayennais, initially combining the roles of player and coach. At half-time of a CFA2 match, he decided to take himself off the pitch, bringing an end to his playing career to fully commit to coaching at the age of 32. For three seasons, he learned the demands of amateur football before joining Stade Rennais F.C.
A coach for six years at La Piverdière, Franck Haise built a reputation as a passionate developer of young talent before returning to the Mayenne with US Changé. He then joined Régis Le Bris at Lorient, this time as head of the reserve team. Thanks to the strong sporting results of the Merlus, Franck Haise was integrated into the first-team staff led by Sylvain Ripoll.
Success in the North
RC Lens was the next step in his journey. First with the reserve team, then as head coach of the first team in Ligue 2 from 25 February 2020. Well placed when the championship was halted, the Sang et Or were promoted to Ligue 1 and then comfortably secured survival with a promising seventh-place finish. The 2022/2023 season was one of consecration. The surprise package of the league, Lens swept aside the competition and engaged in a thrilling head-to-head with PSG. Franck Haise’s side finished second, just one point behind the Parisian champions, driven by an outstanding defence (29 goals conceded compared to Paris’ 40), marshalled by goalkeeper Brice Samba. Efficiency in both penalty areas, constant pressing and a remarkable defensive base underpinned the club’s success. Bollaert returned to Europe, and Franck Haise was named Coach of the Year at the UNFP Awards.
200 Ligue 1 matches under his belt
In 2024, Franck Haise chose to join the Nice project, which he embodied for 18 months. The first season was a real success, as OGC Nice qualified for the Champions League play-offs by finishing fourth in the league.
A prominent figure in the championship, a coach for 23 years, a man of conviction who has always caused problems for the Rouge et Noir - with just one defeat in eleven matches against them - Franck Haise was appointed head coach of the Stade Rennais F.C. first team this Wednesday. Back home, to our great delight.
Arnaud Pouille, Executive President – Chief Executive Officer:
“We are very happy to welcome Franck and his assistants. He is returning to Stade Rennais, where he spent six wonderful years. His time here left great memories for everyone. He is a respected developer of talent and a highly regarded coach, with 200 Ligue 1 matches under his belt, outstanding results and strong convictions. The staff’s missions are clear: give pleasure to the Rouge et Noir supporters, develop young talents and secure European qualification.”
Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director:
“It’s a real pleasure to welcome Franck, whom I know very well. He’s an excellent coach with deep Ligue 1 expertise and several strong seasons to his name. He was our number one choice, and on his side he immediately showed great enthusiasm and a strong desire to join our project. This morning, he discovered the dressing room and reunited with familiar faces, which will naturally make his integration easier. Our objective—and that of the whole club—remains the same: to qualify for European competition. We expect a lot from the team. The win against PSG is further proof that the players are capable of great things. We expect unity and total commitment from everyone to help us enjoy a very strong end to the season with results that match our ambitions.”
Franck Haise, Head Coach:
“When I received my training kit this morning, it took me back twenty years, to when Patrick Rampillon brought me here. It’s a joy to return to Stade Rennais; a real pleasure, with my staff, to arrive at such a great club. The squad has a lot of quality, as shown in last Friday’s match, with heart and great energy.
Since my departure in 2012, the club has developed tremendously. The Pinault family are the longest-standing owners in Ligue 1, for nearly thirty years now, which shows real commitment and a strong identity. You can feel that the project is solid. The club is moving forward, as reflected in the exceptional facilities that have continued to improve. The passion around the club is also growing. For all these reasons, it’s a privilege to be part of this project.”
