Chicago Fire hire former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter as head coach and director of football

After extensive speculation, Gregg Berhalter finally has a new job.

The former U.S. men’s national team boss has accepted an offer to take over as the Chicago Fire’s head coach and sporting director at the end of the season, the club announced Tuesday.

Current head coach Frank Klopas will leave the position as head coach and assume the role as Vice President of Football following the conclusion of the season. Berhalter had also been linked with multiple vacancies in MLS following his firing as U.S. head coach this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Berhalter will now undergo his second stint in MLS as a manager. He coached the Crew from 2013-2018, leading them to the playoffs in four of his five years at the helm. The manager achieved a 74-49-70 record during his time there.

  His reputation with the USMNT was admittedly mixed. He achieved success at the World Cup, and won the Nations League twice. But his failure to get out of the group at Copa America cost him his job in July.

  WHAT BERHALTER SAID

  Berlater expressed his excitement to take on the role in an official statement: “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.”

  WHAT THE FIRE OWNER JOE MANSUETO SAID

  “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.”

  “I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our Club to its winning ways,” added Mansueto. “I also want to sincerely thank Frank Klopas for all his hard work this season. His love for this Club and city is unparalleled, and he played a key role in helping to recruit Gregg to become our new Director of Football and Head Coach.”

  WHAT NEXT FOR BERHALTER?

  The former USMNT manager will start his new job at the end of the regular season. Chicago’s final fixture is set for Oct. 19, when they will host Nashville at Soldier Field.