Bayern Munich have confirmed Frankfurt head coach Niko Kovac will replace Jupp Heynckes at the end of the season on a three-year deal.
Heynckes came out of retirement to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Bayern head coach in October but only on a deal until the end of the season.
The 72-year-old is on course to win the treble with Bayern but has no interest in prolonging his managerial career.
Bayern were widely expected to appoint Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann but have now turned to Kovac, who spent two years at the club as a player until 2003.
The 46-year-old, who previously managed Croatia, has spent the last two years in charge of Frankfurt where he has flourished.
He guided Frankfurt clear of relegation in the last few months of last season, but now has the club on the cusp of European football.
Frankfurt are currently fifth and only two points off the Champions League positions with seven games remaining.
Since taking over as Frankfurt head coach in March 2016, Kovac has won 45.2% of his matches in all competitions.
