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

In a significant move for the franchise, Chicago Fire FC has appointed Gregg Berhalter as their new director of football and head coach, the club announced on Tuesday. Berhalter, who previously served as head coach and sporting director of Columbus Crew from 2013 to 2018 and recently led the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), becomes the 10th full-time head coach in the club’s history.

In this dual role, Berhalter will be responsible for all aspects of the Fire’s sporting operations, which include overseeing the first team, the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Chicago Fire FC II, and the academy. He will report directly to owner and chairman Joe Mansueto.

“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,” Mansueto stated in a release. “His previous success in MLS, where he thrived in a dual role, and his experience leading the US men’s national team over the last six years make him an ideal fit for our vision for the club moving forward.”

Berhalter will officially begin his new position at the conclusion of the 2024 MLS regular season. Until then, current head coach Frank Klopas will guide the team through its final match against Nashville SC on Saturday, October 19 (6 PM ET | MLS Season Pass). Following this match, Klopas will transition into the role of vice president of football.

Berhalter’s Background

With over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and sporting executive, Berhalter returns to Major League Soccer after nearly six years in charge of the USMNT. Appointed head coach in December 2018, he led the team to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and achieved significant success during his tenure, including winning the 2021 Gold Cup and two Concacaf Nations League titles. However, after the team’s disappointing exit in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América, Berhalter parted ways with the national team.

A former U.S. international defender, Berhalter played most of his career in Europe before finishing his playing days with the LA Galaxy from 2009 to 2011. He compiled a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws as the USMNT head coach.

“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,” Berhalter expressed. “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.”

A New Chapter for the Chicago Fire

Berhalter’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Chicago Fire, a club in transition both on and off the field. The team parted ways with longtime sporting director Georg Heitz in early August, followed closely by the departure of former club-record signing Xherdan Shaqiri. These moves signal a broader organizational shift as the Fire has failed to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for seven consecutive seasons.

However, the Fire do possess promising foundational pieces, including homegrown talents Brian Gutiérrez and Chris Brady, alongside current club-record signing Hugo Cypers and USMNT veteran Kellyn Acosta. These players provide Berhalter with a solid foundation as he prepares to lead the team into the 2025 MLS season.

“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 that reflects the values of our city,” Mansueto added. “I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our club to its winning ways.”