Fire dismiss coach Veljko Paunovic

Veljko Paunovic is gone. The pressure on the Fire is only increasing.

Despite earlier indications he was sticking around, Paunovic was fired Wednesday. In four seasons under Paunovic, the Fire went 41-58-37 and only reached the playoffs in 2017. The rest of Paunovic’s staff was also dismissed, though they could be eventually retained.

“Four years ago, Pauno and the staff accepted a challenge to help establish a football culture at the Fire,” president and general manager Nelson Rodríguez said in a news release. “Their efforts helped revitalize the club with a competitive spirit and a dedication to always putting football first. Pauno and his staff were relentless in their devotion to the club and for that we are immeasurably thankful.”

Paunovic was Rodriguez’s pick, the man chosen to reinvigorate an on-field product that had grown stagnant. Paunovic’s passion was never in question, and if the team had won he would’ve been a popular figure with the fans. But other than a 2017 season that looks increasingly like a blip, Paunovic did not succeed. His Fire teams never developed a tactical identity, and his man-management was problematic.

The coach of the MLS all-stars for the 2017 game at Soldier Field against Real Madrid, Paunovic snubbed attacker David Accam from the team. That decision strained the relationship between Paunovic and Accam (who left that offseason) and helped torpedo the Fire’s best season since 2009. Just this year, Paunovic dropped veteran goalie David Ousted from the starting lineup, and told the media before Ousted that replacement Kenneth Kronholm would remain in net for the next match.

The only surprise about Wednesday’s news is that it actually was a surprise, since it was clear Paunovic wasn’t the answer. But it’s an open question whether Rodriguez and the Fire know how to find the correct response during a pivotal offseason for the franchise. Paunovic was flawed and didn’t get enough from the roster he was given, but last offseason he didn’t neglect half the backline or build a lopsided roster with a top-5 payroll.

The Fire have lofty goals for their first season back at Soldier Field. They want to double their attendance from 2019 and effectively reintroduce themselves to the city. Winning would be a major part of that, as the novelty of watching the Fire on the lakefront could wear off quickly if the losing also moves from Bridgeview.

It’s also unclear who exactly will be making the next pick.

In October, Rodriguez said the Fire are looking for an executive to handle the first team. No hire has been made, and it’s conceivable Rodriguez could focus more on the business side of the franchise. But whether it’s Rodriguez, Joe Mansueto or whoever making the final call, it’s crucial for the Fire to quickly identify a coach.

It’s been well-documented the Fire have roster flexibility. They have at least two Designated Player spots open and an opportunity to remake the roster. Though that leads to possibilities, it also means the Fire have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. To get the most from new beginning, their new players must be aligned with their new coach.

For the Fire, it’s unfortunate they had to make this decision. They have so much to do before next spring, and just added the major task of finding a new coach to their list. It’s something they have to get right, and there’s no guarantee they can.

If they don’t, the consequences will go beyond wins and losses. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.