The Chicago Fire saw their 2013 season end amid a blaze of New York Red Bulls goals in Sunday’s 5-2 loss at Red Bull Arena. The result kicked off Supporters Shield celebrations for the Red Bulls, but also signaled the end of another coaching era in Chicago.
The Fire have parted ways with head coach Frank Klopas, firing him after parts of three seasons in charge of the club.
Klopas took over as head coach during the 2011 season, taking over for Carlos De Los Cobos. That season he helped turn the Fire around, going from 1-4-6 to a final record of 9-9-16, as well as a berth in the U.S. Open Cup final (where the Fire lost to Seattle).
Klopas helped lead the Fire to the playoffs in 2012, but Chicago lost to Houston in the Eastern Conference play-in game. This year the Fire started the season 2-7-1, but rallied with a strong second half and finished the season tied with Montreal, but missed out on the playoffs due to total goals scored.
Who will replace Klopas?
That is a good question considering it remains unclear just who will be making the hiring decisions. Javier Leon has been the man overseeing the Chicago Fire for owner Andrew Hauptman, but sources tell SBI that Leon is also leaving the Fire.
What do you think of this development? Think Klopas should have been fired? Who would you like to see replace him?
Share your thoughts below.