The Chicago Fire have hired former United States head coach Gregg Berhalter as the club’s new Head Coach and Director of Football.

Berhalter parted ways with the USMNT after a disappointing group stage exit in the 2024 Copa América on home soil, putting an end to a six-year tenure with the national team.

Despite that humiliation in his final major tournament, the former Columbus Crew boss won the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the CONCACAF Nations League twice.

Meanwhile, Chicago have had a disappointing 2024 MLS campaign of their own, failing to make the playoffs for the seventh straight season and under threat to finish bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Interestingly noted by the Fire, Berhalter will also take over as the club’s Director of Football, where he should be able to draw from his success recruiting dual-nationals to the USMNT.

“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 sporting operations,” Chicago Fire owner and chairman Joe Mansueto said.

“His previous success in MLS, where he thrived in a dual role, and his experience leading the US men’s national team over the last six years make him an ideal fit for our vision for the club moving forward.”