Yorkshire have appointed former captain Anthony McGrath as their new head coach on a five-year deal.
McGrath leaves Essex after nine seasons as assistant coach, head coach and, more recently, director of cricket.
He is returning to Headingley where he spent his entire playing career, winning the County Championship in 2001 and playing for England in four Tests and 14 One-Day Internationals.
McGrath takes over from Ottis Gibson, who guided the White Rose to promotion back into County Championship Division One last month.
He will officially take up his new position on 1 November.
“During the past nine years with Essex, Anthony has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in English cricket,” said Yorkshire’s interim chief executive officer, Sanjay Patel.
“He is renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking cricket, supporting and developing world-class talent, and commitment to youth.”
Former all-rounder McGrath, 49, played 242 first-class matches for Yorkshire and captained the side between 2008 and 2009.
As a middle-order batter, he was a key member of the side that ended the White Rose’s 33-year wait to be crowned county champions again in 2001.
After retiring in 2012, he went on to become a coaching consultant for Yorkshire, but it is his work at Essex since then that has won him so many plaudits.
“I know the history of this great club and the passion of the members and supporters – and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve,” McGrath said, of his Yorkshire return.
