Chicago Fire Hire Gregg Berhalter as Director of Football and Head Coach

The Chicago Fire have made a massive organizational change while bringing in a familiar face to those in U.S. Soccer.  The Fire have hired Gregg Berhalter as their new Director of Football and head coach, roles he will assume at the end of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

Berhalter, 51, most recently served as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team from 2018-22 and 2023-24, though his time there wasn’t without issue. Berhalter was also a head coach for seven seasons in club soccer between his time with Hammarby IF in Sweden and the Columbus Crew.

“After a thorough and detailed search that included a number of exceptional candidates, it became clear that Gregg Berhalter was the right choice to lead our sporting operations,” said Chicago Fire FC owner and chairman Joe Mansueto in the announcement. “His previous success in MLS, where he thrived in a dual role, and his experience leading the U.S. Men’s National Team over the last six years make him an ideal fit for our vision for the Club moving forward.

“I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our Club to its winning ways.”

“Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer,” Berhalter said in the announcement. “I look forward to working alongside our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all our fans and the city can be proud of and will support.”

Current Fire head coach Frank Klopas will coach out the 2024 season before transitioning to a new role as the Fire’s Vice President of Football.

Rapid Reaction

Everyone wanted the Fire to make a massive organizational change, and giving Gregg Berhalter the keys to the club is certainly that. The former USMNT coach has a rolodex that Fire fans should be thrilled about though he has dealt with controversy on and off the pitch. Berhalter has been a solid club football manager in the past and this hire should benefit all parties involved.

The new role for Frank Klopas fits in perfectly with the passion the coach has for developing young soccer players in the Chicagoland area. I’d expect this role to reinvigorate the soon-to-be former Fire head coach as he will focus on development from the grassroots on up.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire will host Nashville SC on Decision Day at Soldier Field on Oct. 19. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. CT and will air on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+.

Follow @soccer_ontap on X for more Chicago Fire news and updates!