In what GM John Guppy marked as “a signature day” in the history of the Chicago Fire, Denis Hamlett was named the fourth head coach in team history. With 10 years of experience assisting championship managers Bob Bradley and Dave Sarachan, Hamlett remarked that he had been working towards this goal for a long time. “There is no other place I'd rather have this opportunity,” replied the new manager.

He went on to discuss both his loyalty to the club and his love for the city of Chicago, a team he considers to be one of premier clubs of Major League Soccer. Hamlett hopes to encourage a challenging, competitive environment for his players while incorporating lessons learned from his time under all three previous head coaches.

The hiring ends an tumultuous period that can only have described as a rollercoaster at times. Starting back in early 2007 with the dismissal of Sarachan, the Fire's coaching situation has seen Hamlett play a central role every step of the way. Taking the mantle of interim manager in the early summer, through the hiring of Juan Carlos Osorio, and the subsequent turmoil of his departure, Denis remained a constant asset to the Fire. From draft preparation to his role as reserves coach, he helped keep the team's operations on track despite a future that was uncertain at times. Negotiations with other candidates seemed to cast a shadow on his abilities to lead the team, but in the end, John Guppy was able to focus on who he felt was best able to take this team to the next level, one who has “always been at the forefront of the discussion”. Despite all of the ups and downs of recent weeks, the GM believes he has the right man for the job.

Hamlett's work is cut out for him, however. He has been hired just as this weekend's MLS Combine begins with the MLS Super Draft only a week away. Joining assistant Daryl Shore in Florida, the two coaches will have a full weekend of scouting potential players. Without much of a transition period needed, the coaches will be continuing their preparation for next Friday with little interruption. Since the head coaching vacancy in December, the staff have stated that their evaluations are on track and they are ready to address the team's needs. With almost a million dollars in unused cap space, foreign player flexibility, and two first round draft picks, Hamlett and his assistants will have plenty of opportunity. Stressing the need to find players that can bring “an immediate impact” to the team, both Denis and Daryl have emphasized the need to bring in players that can improve the club's sometimes anemic offense. Besides bringing new players into the fold, Hamlett has begun forming his new coaching staff. He has already spoken with Chris Armas, and time will tell if the Fire original will be joining Hamlett as an assistant coach. Hopefully, the tradition of the Fire's coaching tree will continue, providing “immediate impact” off the field as well.

The 2008 season is rapidly approaching, and the hiring of Denis Hamlett marks the beginning of a flurry of activity at Toyota Park. In slightly more than one week's time, the team could be long removed from the swirls of doubt that surrounded it recently. The club is set to formally announce a lucrative shirt sponsorhip deal with Best Buy that will surely help build momentum into the draft and throughout the transfer window. With the coaching situation in place, the team can now focus on making the most of all of their resources to improve a team that reached last year's Eastern Conference final. Many MLS teams have been linked to importing new talent, and now the Fire can confidently join the fray. There is no telling who is on their way to Bridgeview this year, but one thing is certain. Denis Hamlett is at the helm.

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