Puel named new coach at Nice

Nice, France – Former Lille and Lyon manager Claude Puel was hired as new coach of Nice on Thursday on a three-year contract.

The 50-year-old Puel most recently coached Lyon from 2008-11, leading the team to the semifinals of the Champions League in 2010. He also coached Monaco, and spent the longest stint of his coaching career with Lille from 2002-08.

Puel replaces Rene Marsiglia, who learned Monday his contract was not renewed following a 13th-place finish in Ligue 1,