Coyle, who was part of Sean Boylan's management team with the Royals, takes over from Jackie McCarville whose three-year reign with the county ended in June.

Coyle won three All-Ireland medals and was a player and coach with Seneschalstown, who were beaten Leinster Club finalists eight years ago.

It is the first time that Monaghan has looked outside the county for the top post.

McCarville had hoped to stay on as boss at Monaghan, but after a poor season, the committee decided to look for fresh ideas.

McCarville had steered Monaghan to the Ulster semi-finals in 2001 after rocking Fermanagh in the provincial first round.

But Monaghan lost their opening match in the Ulster Championship this summer as the Ernemen gained revenge with a big 4-13 to 2-11 defeat.

They followed that result with a defeat to Louth in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers.