[1] On 3 December 2018, Sabri Lamouchi was sacked as manager of Ligue 1 club Rennes due to poor results.

While initially given a role as interim manager, Stéphan was given the permanent role nine days later after a string of victories including against Astana in the UEFA Europa League, qualifying Rennes for their first ever European knockout round.

[3] Stéphan led Rennes to their first trophy in 48 years on 27 April 2019 in the Coupe de France, beating Paris Saint-Germain 6–5 in a penalty shoot-out in the final after drawing 2–2.

[4] He faced the same opponents on 3 August in the 2019 Trophée des Champions, a 2–1 loss.

[9] In January 2023, with Strasbourg sitting in nineteenth place with one win from seventeen games, Stéphan was sacked.