The 33-year-old is embarking on the toughest test of his fledgling coaching career in one of the game's most demanding jobs after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
The experienced Italian was celebrating an historic league and FA Cup double in his first full season at the helm before being unceremoniously axed after a barren campaign and early Champions League exit to eventual finalists Manchester United.
Villas-Boas - whose release from his Porto contract cost some 13.2 million euros (£11.8million) - can expect to face questions over whether he was first choice for the position.
Following Ancelotti's dismissal, it was widely reported that former caretaker manager Guus Hiddink had emerged as the Blues' top target to reprise the role he enjoyed on a temporary basis following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari when guiding the Blues to FA Cup victory at Wembley in 2009.
However, after Villas-Boas was confirmed, Chelsea maintained the Portuguese coach was the "outstanding candidate for the job" and there had been no formal approach to the Dutchman, who remains in his post as national coach of Turkey.
Villas-Boas is no stranger to Stamford Bridge or to senior members of the dressing room, having been part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff. However, now returning as the man charged by owner Roman Abramovich with delivering the Champions League, the young Portuguese coach will need to hit the ground running.
"Chelsea is a club that in the last six years has achieved so much and people are expecting us to be the same way," he said after his appointment was confirmed. "I feel confident I can respond to the ambitions of the supporters and the ambitions of the owner and the administration."
Nevertheless, some changes behind the scenes are expected. Long-serving first-team assistant coach Paul Clement is set to leave, along with fitness coach Glen Driscoll and club doctor Bryan English.
The Blues' opening pre-season friendly against Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on July 9 has been cancelled at the request of the new manager, who wants more preparation time with the squad.
Source: PA
Source: PA