New coach nearing agreement

Eight days after parting ways with coach Lamine Kébé following a disappointing start to the season, Orléans Loiret Basket (OLB) is nearing an agreement with its likely successor. Laurent Vila, assistant coach of Frédéric Fauthoux with the French national team, is in a strong position to take over. According to reports from ICI Orléans, Vila, who previously coached Cholet and Strasbourg, has reached an agreement with OLB's management and only awaits the final signing to officialize the move.

Management selects among three candidates

The OLB management had been considering three candidates, including Vila, Ali Bouziane, and Jean-Christophe Prat. After careful consideration following Kébé's dismissal, the decision was made to appoint Vila, whose experience at the top level and lack of current club commitments were seen as key advantages over his competitors.

Vila’s background and achievements

Vila, who has been without a club since leaving Strasbourg at the start of 2025, has significant experience in the top French league, which OLB is eager to attract. He previously coached Elan Béarnais and was most notably successful at Cholet from 2021 to 2024, leading the team to the playoffs three times and the European Cup final. He was awarded the best coach of Betclic ÉLITE in 2023. Since September 2024, Vila has also served as the first assistant to Frédéric Fauthoux, a role that should not hinder his transition to a club coaching position.

Interim coach secures win

In the meantime, Pierre Tillay, former assistant to Kébé, has been interim coach since a week ago. He secured a victory against Levallois (93-82) on October 23. Tillay is expected to coach again on October 31 against Quimper, likely his second and final match as interim coach before Vila takes over at the beginning of November.

Kébé’s dismissal after poor start

Kébé was dismissed on October 22 after a disappointing start to the season, marked by a heavy defeat at home in the Centrico.