Johan Lourens was the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union coach of the year in 2016 and guided Southern Beaches to back-to-back finals series.
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Now, after a two-year layoff, the South African former back-rower has been handed the reins at Merewether Carlton.
Lourens takes over from the coaching team of Mick Gill, Jode Roach and Trent Considine, who guided the Greens to the finals in three consecutive seasons.
The trio are Merewether stalwarts and president Stephen Reid said they could remain involved.
"Johan's appointment is phase one of the coaching recruitment process," Reid said. "Phase two will involve the appointment of support personnel, including specialist coaches, strength and conditioning personnel, team managers, lower grade and women's team coaches."
Lourens takes control with the Greens in a strong position. They finished fourth last season, a point behind Maitland, before going down to the Blacks 25-17 in the minor semi-final and boast a ton of home-grown talent headed by Eli McCulloch, Sam Rouse, Kosta Sykiotis, Lachy Milton and Kade Robinson.
