The Chicago Fire announced Tuesday that they have hired Gregg Berhalter as director of football and head 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 sports operations,” Fire FC owner and president Joe Mansueto said in a statement. “His previous success in MLS, where he thrived in a dual role, and his experience leading the United States men’s national team over the past six years make him the ideal fit for our vision for the future of the club.
Before being hired by the Fire, Berhalter’s most recent job was with the United States men’s national soccer team. He was fired in July after the team failed to advance out of the group stage of the Copa America, but has enjoyed success, including leading the USMNT back to the World Cup in 2022 after falling short to qualify in 2018. Before coaching the USMNT, Berhalter coached the Columbus Crew.
Few clubs now use the one-person model for head coach and football operations. It’s gone out of fashion over time, but the Fire think it can work with Berhalter. According to Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Berhalter “will oversee all aspects of the Fire’s athletic operations” and report directly to Mansueto.
