Fire legend Frank Klopas named new assistant coach

There aren’t many people Chicago Fire FC could hire as assistant coach that would get fans excited. This might be one of them.

The club announced today legendary player, former head coach, and broadcaster Frank Klopas will join new head coach Raphael Wicky’s technical staff.

“I’m very pleased to have Frank join our coaching staff,” Wicky said in a release. “He has been an integral part of the Fire since its very beginning. His passion for the club and his knowledge of the league will be extremely valuable for our staff and players. I look forward to working with him.”

As a player, Klopas made 50 appearances for his hometown club, leading the club to both the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup titles in 1998. He also scored 12 times in 39 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team from 1987-1995.

After his playing career wrapped up, Klopas served as the club’s assistant coach, technical director, and in 2011 he became the first former Fire player to be named head coach of the club. As coach, he guided the team to a U.S. Open Cup Final and the MLS Playoffs. Klopas later served as head coach of the Montreal Impact, where he won the 2014 Canadian Championship.

Klopas returned to the Fire in 2016 as a TV color analyst.

“My heart has always been with the Fire,” said Klopas. “I’m honored to join Raphael’s staff and I’m excited for the future of the Club.”