Chicago Fire appoint Frank Klopas as new head coach

Chicago Fire have announced that Frank Klopas is set to return as the team's next permanent head coach following an interim stint in the 2023 MLS season.

Klopas took over afer Chicago parted ways with Ezra Hendrickson in early May after a string of negative results left the team in the basement of the Eastern Conference table. Klopas then led the team to a 13th place finish, only above Inter Miami and Toronto FC in the standings.

Klopas was in charge of the Fire's 24 remaining games in the regular season, winning just eight games as they missed the postseason for the sixth straight season.

"We conducted a thorough process with numerous well-qualified candidates, and we believe that Frank Klopas is the right person to lead the team," Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release.

"Frank is hard working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this league. During the interview process Frank laid out a clear plan to create a winning culture and mentality within the club, and we are all aligned on the areas that we need to strengthen to be much more competitive in 2024. We will work closely with Frank to improve the roster and finalize his coaching staff for the upcoming season."

The move marks the second time Klopas has been appointed as permanent head coach of Chicago, with the first stint spanning from 2011-2013. Klopas amassed a 49-43-29 record as head coach of the Fire and led them to the 2011 US Open Cup final where they fell to Seattle Sounders.

After his first stint with Chicago, Klopas then took the head coaching role for CF Montreal from 2013-2015, and then returned to the Windy City as an assistant from 2020-2023. Before getting into coaching, Klopas played for Sporting Kansas City from 1996-1997 and the Fire 1998-1999.

"I've never made it a secret how much I care for this wonderful club and city. Chicago is my home, and I would do anything to bring success to the Fire," said Klopas.

"At this time, I believe that stepping back onto the sidelines is where I can best help this club achieve its goals. I’m excited to build a strong culture and a winning mentality within the team, where everyone is committed to a standard of excellence and hard work. I am very grateful to Joe Mansueto and our technical staff for their trust. I would also like to thank our fans for their unwavering support, and I look forward to experiencing many positive moments together at Soldier Field next season."

It's already been a busy offseason for Chicago, as they recently extended sporting director Heitz and technical director Sebastian Pelzer to new long-term deals in November. The Eastern Conference side also signed homegrown midfielder Brian Gutierrez to a new long-term contract, hoping to prolong his stay at Soldier Field despite interest from European sides.

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