Gregg Berhalter views the Chicago Fire as a “sleeping giant” with great potential for achievement.
The former head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team was officially revealed as the new head coach of the Fire on Thursday. This marks his first appearance for the club after being appointed to the dual roles of head coach and director of football the previous week.
“I truly see this opportunity as a sleeping giant. We’re committed to putting forth our utmost effort to bring this team back to the pinnacle of Major League Soccer,” Berhalter stated. “Chicago embodies community and sports, and that’s what excites me.”
Berhalter takes over from Frank Klopas, who will resign following the team’s last regular season game on Saturday to transition into a new position as vice president of football.
After his dismissal from the U.S. national team in July due to the team’s early exit from the Copa America, Berhalter is now the tenth person to take on the head coaching role for the Fire. Currently, the Fire holds the last position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 7 wins, 9 losses, and 17 draws, resulting in their elimination from playoff contention.
The Fire has not competed in the playoffs since 2017.
“To me, this is about a promise to our fans—to deliver a product they can take pride in. We want them to come to the stadium and feel a genuine connection with what they see,” Berhalter commented. “Our goal is to be an engaging and formidable team in Major League Soccer. While it will take time, we will achieve that.”
In his new role, Berhalter will be responsible for all soccer operations, which includes the senior team, Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy.
According to Fire owner Joe Mansueto, Berhalter commenced work on team roster plans at his residence just a day after signing his contract with the Fire.
“You can clearly see his extensive knowledge of the game. He thinks on a different level,” Mansueto shared. “His approach is highly analytical, methodical, and he avoids making impulsive decisions.”
Mansueto also mentioned plans to potentially construct a soccer-specific stadium in Chicago, as the Fire currently plays at Soldier Field.
At 51, Berhalter was the first American to coach the national team after previously playing in a World Cup. His initial appointment as coach came in December 2018 following roles with Sweden’s Hammarby from 2011 to 2013 and the Columbus Crew between 2013 and 2018.
Under Berhalter’s leadership, the U.S. team compiled a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws, reaching the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His contract ended after the World Cup, but he was rehired in June 2023.
Earlier in the same year, U.S. Soccer conducted an investigation regarding a long-standing domestic violence allegation related to Berhalter, which was brought to light by the Reyna family. A law firm hired by U.S. Soccer concluded that there were no legal barriers to his return.
During his tenure with the Columbus Crew from 2013 to 2018, Berhalter led the team to the playoffs four times in five seasons, including a run to the finals of the 2015 MLS Cup.