The Chicago Fire has seen enough from their interim head coach, Frank Klopas, to give him the job on a permanent basis. The Fire announced the news on Tuesday.
Klopas took over back in May following the departure of Ezra Hendrickson. In 24 games in charge, the former U.S. international compiled a record of 8-5-11, recording 29 points. Chicago finished 13th in the Eastern Conference standings.
According to Fire’s sporting director Georg Heitz, the club conducted an extensive search for their new head coach but circled back to Klopas, seeing him as the best choice.
“Frank is hard working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this League,” said Heitz. “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.”
Frank Klopas finished his playing career with the Chicago Fire in 1999 and remained at the club as strength and conditioning trainer. Later, Klopas managed the indoor soccer team Chicago Storm before rejoining Fire as a technical director in 2008.
In 2011, Klopas was named Fire’s interim head coach and went on to coach the club through the 2013 campaign before stepping down. He also served as a head coach for Montreal Impact and had another interim stint with Fire in 2021.
