Eric Elwood will take over as Connacht’s Director of Coaching for the 2010-11 season.
The appointment of the former Irish international was confirmed at a press conference at the Sportsground on Wednesday morning.
He will take over from Michael Bradley at the end of the season and will confirm his backroom team in the coming weeks.
Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly paid tribute to the contribution made to Connacht Rugby over the past six and a half years by Michael Bradley.
Eric Elwood said he was really looking forward to the challenge and urged Connacht people to get behind the side as they continued to build the team.
Elwood, who made 168 appearances for Connacht, has been assistant coach for the past four and a half years.
Connacht will resume their Magners League campaign this Friday when they take on Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground (8pm).