OGC Nice has appointed Olivier Pantaloni as head coach on a two-year contract, effective June 15, 2026. The Corsican-born manager steps into a role that has seen significant turnover in recent seasons, with the club hoping his steady hand can bring some much-needed continuity to the Riviera side.

Pantaloni arrives from FC Lorient, where he guided the club to a mid-table Ligue 1 finish following their promotion from Ligue 2 in the 2024-25 season.

A career built on patience and pragmatism

Born on December 13, 1966, in Bastia, Corsica, Pantaloni has spent most of his career in French football’s less glamorous corners. His longest and most notable association has been with AC Ajaccio, where he served in various capacities as both player and coach over the years. Before coaching, he also played for clubs including OGC Nice and SC Bastia.

Why Nice needed a reset

The appointment comes after a turbulent 2025-26 campaign for the club. Claude Puel served as interim manager during the season before Pantaloni’s permanent appointment.

Pantaloni’s two-year contract signals at least an intention to break that cycle. Two years is not a long commitment by historical standards, but in the current climate of Ligue 1 management, it represents a meaningful runway.