The Chicago Fire have named former interim, Frank Klopas, as their new head coach, seven months after the club fired Ezra Hendrickson after 10 games, earlier this year.

Klopas will now begin his second stint as the Fire’s full-time head coach, going into the 2024 MLS season, after serving as a caretaker on three prior occasions. 

The 57-year-old, who also managed CF Montreal in the past, has won 49 games, lost 43 and drawn 29 during his time on the sidelines as the Fire’s head coach.

‘Frank is hard-working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this league.

Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas, 57, has been appointed for a second time on Tuesday

‘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.’ 

With Klopas back at the helm, Chicago will be vying for a playoff spot in the MLS postseason, something the club hasn’t done since 2017. They finished this year with 40 points (10 wins, 14 losses and 10 defeats), ranking 13th in the Eastern Conference table. 

Only Inter Miami (14th, 34 points) and FC Toronto (15th, 22 points) ended the season lower then the Fire.

Chicago plan to acquire add a designated player – a striker – to its ranks – after only scoring a total of 39 goals in 34 games this season. 

Chicago will eye a playoff birth for the first time since 2017 with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri

Any newcomers will play along with former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger, Xherdan Shaqiri – the club’s record signing. They’ll also get to to know the likes of some of Chicago’s homegrown stars, like midfielder Brian Gutierrez and goalkeeper Chris Brady. 

‘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 his unveiling as the club’s full-time head coach on Tuesday. ‘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 [Chicago Fire owner] 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.’ 

Considered as a soccer icon in the Windy City, Klopas signed with the Fire before the team’s MLS expansion season in 1998, when they won both the MLS Cup and the US Open Cup. He mad a total of 49 appearances for the club across all competitions.