MLS’s Chicago Fire have hired former US boss Berhalter as their coach

MLS club Chicago Fire announced on Tuesday that Gregg Berhalter, a former U.S. men’s boss, has been hired as head coach and director of football for the team.

Berhalter was fired in July after the U.S. was humiliated by an early exit at the Copa America on home land. He will start his new job with the Fire after the 2024 MLS regular season is over.

Berhalter will be returning to Major League Soccer (MLS). From 2013 to 2018, he was the head coach and sporting director of the Columbus Crew and took the team to the playoffs four times, including a trip to the MLS Cup in 2015.

One of the great options that was looked at in great detail made it clear that Gregg Berhalter was the best person to run the Fire’s sports operations, according to a news release from Fire owner and chairman Joe Mansueto.

“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.”

Head coach of the Fire right now, Frank Klopas, will step down after the team’s last regular season game on October 19. He will then take on a new job as vice president of football.