Denis Hamlett appointed new head coach of Chicago Fire

A former Costa Rican-American soccer defender finally changed his interim title in Chicago Fire into the permanent. Denis Hamlett was finally appointed a head coach of the team.

Photo: Denis Hamlett appointed new head coach of Chicago Fire

Denis Hamlett appointed new head coach of Chicago Fire

Following his retirement from professional play in 1997, Hamlett attained his coaching license from U.S. Soccer. In 1998, Hamlett joined the coaching staff of the Chicago Fire.

He then served as an assistant coach during the U.S. Project-40 squad's visit to Portugal .

Hamlett continued his coaching duties with the Chicago Fire, becoming the top assistant coach in 2001. Upon dismissal of former head coach Dave Sarachan, Hamlett received interim head coaching duties on June 20, 2007 , but resumed assitant coaching duties following the arrival of Juan Carlos Osorio. Orsorio has resigned and taken on the head coach job at the New York Red Bulls, and Hamlett was once again in consideration for the head coaching spot with the Fire.

Hamlett's promotion became possible after Houston Dynamo assistant coach John Spencer reportedly accepted and rejected the job.

"I greatly appreciate the organization giving me the opportunity to be head coach of the Fire, and I am thrilled to continue to be part of this team as it enters a new and exciting chapter in Fire history," Hamlett said in a statement.

The manager of the team highlighted talents of the new coach and expressed his hope about future gains and awards under new circumstances.