Fire hires former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter as head coach

Former U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter is on his way back to MLS.

The Chicago Fire hired Berhalter as their new head coach and director of football, the club announced Tuesday. Berhalter has been without a job since being fired as USMNT head coach last summer following the team’s poor showing at the 2024 Copa America.

“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.”

The 51-year-old Berhalter was hired in 2018 and served as USMNT head coach on two separate stints. He led the Americans back to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leading them to a Round of 16 finish.

He won one CONCACAF Gold Cup title, as well as two Nations League titles. Berhalter’s USMNT record finished at 44-17-13 in 74 matches.

Prior to his move to U.S. Soccer, Berhalter was head coach of the Columbus Crew from 2013-18, as well as manager of Swedish side Hammarby from 2011-13. He won 74 of his 193 matches in charge of the Crew, helping the Eastern Conference side reach the MLS Cup Playoffs on four of five occasions.

The Fire have failed to make the playoffs in each of the last seven MLS seasons, finishing 10th or lower in six of those years.