Former USMNT coach Berhalter named Chicago Fire boss

Former United States coach Gregg Berhalter was named on Tuesday as new head coach of the Chicago Fire, the Major League Soccer side said in a statement.

Berhalter, who was fired as U.S. coach after his team's first-round exit at the Copa America earlier this year, takes over from current head coach Frank Klopas.

"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 Joe Mansueto said in a statement. 

"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."

After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under predecessor Bruce Arena, Berhalter led the United States back to the finals in Qatar in 2022, where they reached the last 16 before being eliminated by the Netherlands.

However, Berhalter came under increasing pressure after lacklustre results this year and was fired soon after his team's elimination from the Copa America in July.