MLSnet.com

 

The Chicago Fire announced Tuesday that Head Coach Denis Hamlett will not return to the Fire for the 2010 Major League Soccer season and will leave the club, effectively immediately. Hamlett's contract with the Fire expires at the end of this year and he intends to pursue other coaching opportunities. Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire will immediately begin its search for a new head coach. Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas will manage all team decisions in the interim.

"Denis has a long history with the club and has been a part its success since our inaugural year in 1998," said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. "We are grateful for his commitment to the Fire and his leadership throughout his career with the club. We wish him the very best and he will always be considered a part of the Fire family. Right now, the Fire has decided to take the team in a new direction in 2010."