The former Antrim boss faces a league campaign in Division 1B early next year.
Darren Gleeson has been ratified as Laois' new senior hurling manager.
Gleeson led Antrim to two Joe McDonagh Cup titles as well as promotion to Division One hurling where he's kept them for the last three seasons.
The former Tipperary hurler takes over a Laois side who were narrowly beaten in the Joe McDonagh Cup final this year but did secure promotion back to Division 1B in the league.
Gleeson succeeds fellow Tipp man Willie Maher in the role, who oversaw the O'Moore County hurlers for the last two years.