Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led Brazil to their fourth World Cup title in 1994, was named coach of the world champions for the third time today.
The 59-year-old, who also coached Kuwait at the 1982 World Cup and Saudi Arabia at France 98, will replace Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
Scolari steered Brazil to their fifth world title at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
"I didn't expect to come back as coach, it wasn't part of my plans but I feel at ease and I am confident about the comeback," Parreira told a news conference.
"I have changed my plans and my life in the last 24 hours. I am happy about accepting the challenge, it is a privilege to be chosen to coach the biggest team in the world."
The CBF also named veteran coach Mario Zagallo as technical director.
The 71-year-old coached Brazil at the 1970, 1974 and 1998 World Cups, and was also assistant to Parreira in 1994.
Brazil had been without a long-term coach since the departure of "Big Phil", who resigned in August is now coach of the Portuguese national side.
Parreira's first match in charge will be a friendly away to China on February 12th.