Former Chunichi Dragons manager Senichi Hoshino on Monday officially accepted the Hanshin Tigers offer to take the helm of the Central League team.
Hoshino, who said he was looking forward to the task of reviving the Tigers, called Hanshin owner Shunjiro Kuma to accept the managerial position.
Hoshino is scheduled to announce his decision to lead the Tigers at a press conference Tuesday, Hanshin officials said.
The Hanshin board of directors opted for Hoshino after Katsuya Nomura resigned on Dec. 6 following the arrest of his wife and TV personality, Sachiyo, on suspicion of tax evasion.
The 54-year-old Okayama native made a tentative deal with the Osaka club in a first round of talks last week before agreeing Saturday on the basic terms of a one-year contract to manage the Tigers.
Known for his passionate playing and coaching style, Hoshino posted a 146-121 record with 34 saves in his 14-year career with the Dragons before retiring in 1982.
As Chunichi manager, Hoshino went 767-670 with 27 ties in his two stints over 11 seasons, leading the club to the CL title in 1988 and 1999. He stepped down after Chunichi finished fifth in 2001.
Nomura, 66, steered the Yakult Swallows to three Japan Series titles in the 1990s but couldn't save the Tigers.