Chicago Fire to appoint Ezra Hendrickson as new head coach
By Chris Smith
Chicago Fire intend to hire Ezra Hendrickson as the club's next head coach, multiple sources have told 90min.
Chicago have been on the hunt for a new candidate to man the dugout since parting ways with Raphael Wicky in September. Former United States international Frank Klopas saw out the 2021 campaign on an interim basis. The Fire once again failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.
90min can now confirm reports first seen on SB Nation site Hot Time In Old Town that Hendrickson has emerged as the prime candidate for the job.
The Columbus Crew assistant beat Ante Razov, and Sporting Kansas City II head coach Paulo Nagamura as the Fire's shortlist was whittled down to three names.
Though the Fire have moved forward with Hendrickson, details on his contract are still being worked through, but 90min are told an agreement is expected in the near future.
Hendrickson is yet to hold a senior head coach having previously managed the Tacoma Defiance (formerly Seattle Sounders 2), and held assistant roles with the Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy, and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national team alongside his current role with the Crew.
But that hasn't stopped him from becoming a highly respected figure around the league. During 25 years in MLS years combined as a player and coach, Hendrickson has won 15 major trophies, including helping Caleb Porter's men to MLS Cup just last year. He's also worked under highly successful coaches such as Sigi Schmid and Brian Schmetzer.
A defender during his playing days, Hendrickson turned out for the likes of MetroStars, LA Galaxy, Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas), Chivas USA, DC United, and Columbus Crew before retiring in 2008 - with 36 international caps and two goals for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under his belt. Hendrickson certainly fills the Fire's remit of hiring a coach with MLS experience.
With talks progressing well, the Fire are expected to finalize Hendrickson's appointment quickly.