The 41-year-old succeeds Gary Speed, who tragically passed away in November 2011.
“This is the proudest moment of my career, to be given the opportunity to lead my country, but I have been given that opportunity because of circumstances that nobody could have foreseen,” Coleman said.
“It is bittersweet for me, of course it is. It’s a difficult experience for me but I am very proud to be given the opportunity and very sad because of the situation we all find ourselves in.”
He continued: “They have won four of their last five games and it’s about the philosophy and the style of play. It has been refreshing and we’ve enjoyed it.
“Whoever was the next manager of Wales, it was also going to be difficult, and it’s even more difficult for me because of my relationship with Gary. I am excited but I am a little bit subdued because of the circumstances.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, it never is, but it’s something I am prepared for and if I didn’t think I could affect the situation, I wouldn’t have taken the job.”
“I’m still learning and I see myself in it for the long-term,” he continued.
“I’m not here for the experience, I want to progress and get better. When your country comes along and ask you to take charge, I think it is a calling and it’s not something you should turn down. I am very proud that I will now be leading the charge.
“I won’t be using this as a vehicle to put myself somewhere else, I’m doing it because it’s my country and I will give everything I have got.”
He added: “I have spoken with two or three or four of the senior boys. I understand where some of them are coming from because if it isn’t broke, you don’t fix it.
“I would be a fool to come in here and rip everything up and start again, that’s not what it needs. I have no intention of doing that. I love the philosophy of play.”
