In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Fire have announced the hiring of former U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter as the new director of football and head coach for the club. This news comes after sources close to the decision revealed that Berhalter had been chosen for the role.
The official announcement is expected to be made on Tuesday, signaling the beginning of a new era for the Fire under Berhalter’s leadership. At 51 years old, Berhalter brings a wealth of experience to the position, despite his recent dismissal as coach of the U.S. team following their early exit from the Copa America.
Berhalter’s previous tenure with the USMNT saw him lead the team back to the World Cup in 2022, where they made it out of the group stage before ultimately falling to the Netherlands in the Round of 16. His impressive record of 44-17-13 in 74 matches as head coach, including winning the 2021 Gold Cup and two CONCACAF Nations League titles, speaks to his ability to succeed at the highest levels of the game.
As the head of football operations, Berhalter will have a wide-ranging role overseeing all aspects of the Fire’s sporting operations, from the first team to the academy. He is set to take on this dual responsibility after the Fire complete their regular season on Oct. 19, reporting directly to owner Joe Mansueto.
Living in Chicago for several years, Berhalter’s appointment signals a commitment to revitalizing a Fire team that has struggled in recent years, making the playoffs just twice since 2010. Despite their higher spending in the transfer market, the Fire have failed to make an impact on the field, languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table with a 7-17-9 record.
Berhalter’s previous success as sporting director and head coach of the Columbus Crew from 2013 to 2018 bodes well for the Fire’s future. Under his guidance, the Crew achieved a solid regular-season record and made multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to MLS Cup and the Eastern Conference final.
With major changes on the horizon, the Fire are poised to shake up their roster and approach under Berhalter. With designated player spots open and key players entering the final year of their contracts, including Rafael Czichos, Wyatt Omsberg, Fabian Herbers, and others, the Fire are preparing for a new chapter under their new coach.
It remains to be seen how Berhalter will fare in his new role with the Fire, but with his track record of success and the potential for a fresh start in Chicago, there is optimism surrounding the team’s future under his leadership. Stay tuned for the official announcement on Tuesday to learn more about the Fire’s plans for the upcoming seasons.
(Photo: Omar Vega / Getty Images)
