Chicago Fire FC announced Tuesday that Frank Klopas, a servant of the club in several capacities since 1998, has been named to manager Raphael Wicky's coaching staff as an assistant.
“I’m very pleased to have Frank join our coaching staff,” Wicky said in a statement. “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.”
Klopas has served as a player, head coach, technical director, team ambassador and broadcaster for the Fire over the course of 22 years. His honors include helping the Fire win the double (MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup) during their inaugural season. He was inducted into the club's ring of fire as a player in 2004 and the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
“My heart has always been with the Fire,” Klopas said. “I’m honored to join Raphael’s staff and I’m excited for the future of the Club.”
After concluding his playing career in 1999, Klopas served as the Fire’s assistant coach in 2000 and technical director from 2008-2011 before becoming the sixth full-time head coach in club history on Nov. 3, 2011.
Klopas was the first former Fire player to be named head coach, and he he helped guide the Fire to the U.S. Open Cup final and the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Klopas then spent two years as Montreal Impact head coach, leading the club to the 2014 Canadian Championship and the final of the 2014-15 Concacaf Champions League. In 2016, Klopas returned to the Fire to become the club’s broadcast color analyst.
