Stuttgart names Alexander Zorniger as replacement for Huub Stevens

STUTTGART, Germany -- Stuttgart has appointed Alexander Zorniger as its new coach to replace Huub Stevens.

Zorninger worked briefly as an assistant at Stuttgart in 2009 for his only Bundesliga experience. He was in charge of second-division RB Leipzig from 2012 until his dismissal in February.

Stevens took over Stuttgart in November and the team managed to avoid relegation with a 2-1 win at Paderborn on the final day of the season on Saturday. The defeat also sent Paderborn back to the second division.

Stevens had said earlier he would leave at the end of the season.

Zorninger signed a three-year contract.