Laurent Blanc, nicknamed the President for his calm authority, is also remembered for his leadership skills as an awe-inspiring defender who helped France lift the World Cup in 1998, although he was suspended for the final.
Admired for all his achievements but sometimes perceived as distant and cold, if not arrogant, Blanc, who is not expected to be officially named France coach before the World Cup starts on June 11, will nevertheless be much more popular than the uncompromising Domenech, who could never win the fans' hearts.
During the 1998 campaign, Blanc provided a symbol for France's successful run by planting a kiss on goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's shaven head after each of his side's wins.
He got his first coaching job at Girondins Bordeaux in 2007 and led the Aquitaine side to a Ligue 1 and League Cup double last season, prompting the federation to finally consider him as Domenech's successor.
He was even regarded as the favourite but Domenech was the French football federation's (FFF's) preferred choice because he had more experience.
"They were all saying I was not experienced enough and it quickly became annoying," said Blanc.
The Girondins finished runners-up in Ligue 1 in Blanc's first season before clinching the title in 2009 after recording a record 11 straight victories.
"He has a lot of experience at the highest level, he played in great clubs," said Bordeaux midfielder Alou Diarra. "We all know what we owe him."
Blanc's nomination will also have a sweet taste for France 98, an association created by the World Cup winners, who have been lobbying against Domenech, especially since Les Bleus went out in the first round of Euro 2008.
"He is a good choice, a very good choice," he said.
