### Gregg Berhalter Appointed Director of Football and Head Coach for Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire FC has officially announced Gregg Berhalter as the new Director of Football and Head Coach. Berhalter becomes the tenth full-time head coach in the club’s history and will steer all sporting operations, encompassing the First Team, Chicago Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy. He will report directly to Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto.

Bringing 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and executive, Berhalter previously led the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) to significant achievements, including three major trophies and a return to the FIFA World Cup. He will commence his role with Chicago Fire FC following the conclusion of the 2024 MLS regular season. Current Head Coach Frank Klopas will transition to a new role as Vice President of Football after the team’s final regular season match on Saturday, October 19.

“After a detailed search involving several outstanding candidates, it became evident that Gregg Berhalter was the best choice to lead our sporting operations,” remarked Joe Mansueto. “His success in the MLS and his experience with the USMNT align perfectly with our vision for the club. I am confident that under his leadership, we will build a team that Chicago can be proud of.”

Berhalter expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m honored to be appointed Director of Football and Head Coach of Chicago Fire FC. I thank Joe Mansueto for his trust in me. Chicago is a remarkable city with a profound passion for soccer, and I look forward to transforming the Fire into a world-class organization that our fans will support.”

During his tenure with the USMNT, Berhalter amassed a record of 44-17-13 in 74 matches, guiding the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Under his watch, the team earned the 2021 Gold Cup and two Concacaf Nations League titles, achieving multiple shutouts in the World Cup for the first time since 1930.

Frank Klopas, who will be stepping down as Head Coach, reflected on his time and expressed his support for Berhalter. “My love for the Fire runs deep, and I am eager to see the organization reach the top of MLS again. I have known Gregg for many years and have great respect for him. I look forward to supporting him in this new chapter for the club.”

Before his stint with the USMNT, Berhalter was a head coach in Sweden with Hammarby IF and in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew. He made history as the first American-born male to manage a professional team in Europe with Hammarby. His tenure at Columbus Crew was marked by a strong record, leading the team to the MLS Cup Playoffs in four out of five seasons, including a runner-up finish in the 2015 MLS Cup Final.

As a player, Berhalter enjoyed an 18-season career in the Netherlands, England, Germany, and the United States and earned 44 caps for the USMNT, participating in two FIFA World Cups.

Chicago Fire FC's final match of the 2024 MLS regular season will be against Nashville SC at Soldier Field on Saturday, October 19. The match will start at 5:00 p.m. CT and will be available globally on MLS Season Pass and locally in English on WLS 890 AM and in Spanish on WRTO 1200 AM.