Gregg Berhalter is returning to soccer as he lands a new MLS role just 90 days after being released by the USMNT

The Chicago Fire announced Tuesday the hiring of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter as the club's new head coach and director of soccer.

It comes just 90 days after he was released by the USMNT following their disastrous Copa American performance on home soil.

Berhalter, 51, will become the MLS club's 10th full-time manager and will oversee all of the Fire's sports operations, reporting directly to owner and chairman Joe Mansueto.

“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 athletic operations,” Mansueto said.

“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 past six years make him an ideal fit for our future vision for the club.”

The Chicago Fire announced the hiring of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter on Tuesday

The Fire, coached by Frank Klopas, are currently in last place in the 15-team Eastern Conference

Berhalter, who previously coached in the league with the Columbus Crew, replaces current head coach Frank Klopas. Klopas, 58, will step down after the Fire's regular season finale on Oct. 19 and assume a new role as vice president of football.

The Fire are currently in last place in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

“I am honored to be named Director of Football and Head Coach of the Chicago Fire and I would like to thank Joe Mansueto for his trust,” said Berhalter.

“Chicago is an incredible city made up of communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer.

“I look forward to working with our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all of our fans and the city will be proud of and support.”

Columbus reached the playoffs four times under Berhalter and reached the MLS Cup final in 2015, losing 2-1 to the Portland Timbers.

The USMNT won three major trophies with Berhalter – the CONCACAF Nations League twice and the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup – and participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.