The Chicago Fire have relieved coach Frank Yallop of his duties and hired MLS executive Nelson Rodríguez as the team’s general manager, according to the Fire’s website.
Sunday’s move came as the Fire have the league’s worst record at 7-16-6. On top of parting ways with Yallop, who was 13-26-24 in nearly two seasons with Chicago, the Fire have let go of assistants Marc Bircham and Clint Mathis.
According to the team’s release, Rodríguez will oversee all sporting operations, including technical staff management, scouting, player personnel, player development systems and the Fire’s academy. He also will be in charge of finding a new head coach.
I share our fans’ frustration and, while we’ve enjoyed success off the pitch, I’m obviously not happy with the results on it. I felt the need to make changes now in order to better position ourselves for the off-season and beyond, said Andrew Hauptman, Chairman of Andell Inc. and Chairman and Owner of Chicago Fire Soccer Club. I have tremendous confidence about the future of this Club in Nelson’s hands and am beyond thrilled to bring him to Chicago.
During his tenure with MLS and SUM, Rodríguez has held many offices including a term as President of Chivas USA in the club’s transitional year.
