Fire appoint Berhalter as new director of football, head coach

CHICAGO, IL–On their social media on Tuesday, Chicago Fire FC–whose official anniversary is October 8th (the same date as “The Great Chicago Fire” of 1871)–they hinted something was coming with the tagline “The path tomorrow begins today”.  That something is the appointment of former US Men’s National Team coach Gregg Berhalter as the new Director of Football and Head Coach.

Berhalter becomes the 10^th full-time head coach in Club history and will oversee all aspects of the Fire’s sporting operations, including the First Team, Chicago Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy, reporting directly to Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto.

Georg Heitz, who has been sporting director since 2020, previously announced he was stepping down for ‘personal reasons’ at the end of this season. Current head coach Frank Klopas, will coach the Fire’s final game of this season on October 19th and then move into a role as vice president of football.

“I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as the head coach of this great Club once again,” said Klopas. “My love for the Fire runs deep, and I want nothing more than to see the organization return to the top of MLS. I’ve known Gregg for many years and have great respect for him, both as a person and a professional. I’m excited to welcome him to the Fire family and look forward to supporting him during this next chapter.”

After what is said to be an extensive search, Fire owner Joe Mansueto opted for Berhalter having previously thrived in a dual role and also having been in Chicago as US National Team coach.

“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 Mansueto in a statement. “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,” added Mansueto. “I also want to sincerely thank Frank Klopas for all his hard work this season. His love for this Club and city is unparalleled, and he played a key role in helping to recruit Gregg to become our new Director of Football and Head Coach.”

Berhalter was in a dual role when he coached Columbus Crew from 2013 to 2018 leading the team to four playoff appearances and an MLS Cup runners-up spot in 2015. Prior to that, he coached Swedish side Hammarby  making him the first US-born male to coach a professional team in Europe.

In 74 matches with the USMNT, Berhalter compiled a 44-17-13 record, leading the United States to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and paving the way for future success. Under his guidance the USMNT won the 2021 Gold Cup, two Concacaf Nations League titles, and advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT recorded multiple shutouts for the first time in the tournament since 1930, all while utilizing the youngest pool of players in team history. However, after a poor showing at this year’s Copa America where the USMNT failed to get out of the group stage, Berhalter was let go.

This will be Berhalter’s return to MLS and to a Chicago Fire team that is hungry for a return to success. The Fire’s last playoff appearance was in 2017, its last playoff win was in 2009, and their last trophy was the US Open Cup in 2006.

“I’m honored to be named Director of Football and Head Coach of the Chicago Fire, and I would like to thank Joe Mansueto for his trust,” said Berhalter. “Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer. 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.”

COMMENT:  As evidenced by last month’s Premier League Fan Fest which drew the largest attendance yet for that event, there is a market for soccer in Chicago. It just not has had a winning side to cheer on locally for much longer than anyone cares to remember. Immense turnover in the roster is expected to happen as the current roster as constructed is not conducive to winning.

The Fire do have an owner who is willing to make the investments necessary for success such as the new performance center that will open in the new year, and now a new sporting director and head coach who is high profile in US Soccer Circles. Some of that money, though (read:  Shaqiri, Xherdan) has not been well spent. It is hoped that Berhalter will spend Mr. Mansueto’s money more wisely while at the same time have a tactical vision for the club that has lacked one for years.

Our friend at The Lantern, Ruben Tisch, made an excellent point when it comes to Berhalter. He took a Columbus team that was owned by Anthony Precourt to MLS Cup in 2015. It will be interesting to see what Berhalter can do with an anticipated bigger budget and more resources (though granted Austin FC’s wage bill earlier this year was 6th compared to the Fire’s 3rd).

It could be argued that the 2024 season was lost when it was announced that Georg Heitz would remain as sporting director and Frank Klopas as head coach. The team continued to underperform and Shaqiri exited stage left. Heitz will be heading back to Switzerland and Klopas will be heading upstairs after the final whistle on October 19th vs. Nashville. Time will tell if tomorrow brings a brighter future for Chicago Fire FC.