Gregg Berhalter returns to MLS as head coach and director of football

Gregg Berhalter will be back in MLS for the start of the 2025 season after accepting a wide-ranging role with the Chicago Fire. The 51-year-old will “oversee all aspects of the Fire’s sporting operations” as head coach and director of football.

Berhalter was most recently the head coach of the United States men’s national team, a role that he held twice. He led the nation to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during his first spell in charge but his second stint was less successful, suffering a chastening group stage elimination in Copa América this summer.

Nevertheless, Berhalter has real pedigree after a 16-year playing career in Europe and gained extensive MLS coaching experience with the Columbus Crew.

“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 explained.

“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.”

What is Gregg Berhalter’s record in MLS?

In the twilight years of his playing career Berhalter returned to MLS as a part of the all-conquering LA Galaxy team. Berhalter, a centre-back, played for the Galaxy alongside the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan from 2009 to 2011.

Berhalter won the Supporters’ Shield twice with the Galaxy and lifted MLS Cup on two occasions.

In November 2013 he was appointed sporting director and head coach of the Columbus Crew and remained in charge for five years. They made the playoffs in four out of his five years at the helm - even making it to MLS Cup in 2015 - but failed to win any silverware.

Berhalter’s task in Columbus was strikingly similar to the role that he takes up in Chicago, overhauling a struggling team. He secured postseason soccer on a regular basis for Columbus but his overall record across the five years was a little underwhelming. Berhalter managed a win percentage of 38.34% in his five seasons as an MLS head coach.