Following his six-year tenure as U.S. men’s national team manager, former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter has formally been named as the next head coach and sporting director of Chicago Fire, therefore returning to MLS. Announcing the hiring on Tuesday, The Fire confirmed that Berhalter will take over at the end of the present season.
Frank Klopas will be replaced by Berhalter, who will take on a fresh responsibility as Vice President of Football. The action reflects a lot of conjecture on Berhalter’s future direction following his summer exit from the U.S. national team. Although he had been connected to a number of potential MLS coaching positions, he finally decided for the Chicago Fire, where he will be in dual responsibility supervising football operations and coaching.
The Background of Berhalter’s Coaching
Having guided the USMNT from 2018 to 2023, directing them to CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup crowns, as well as a Round of 16 finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Berhalter offers the Fire a great variety of expertise. Berhalter developed a reputation as a tactical and forward-looking manager after coaching Columbus Crew in MLS before his national team membership.
Using his background in both coaching and football management, Berhalter will try to improve Chicago Fire’s performance both on and off the field in his new post.
