Chicago Fire FC have hired Nico Estévez as their new lead assistant head coach. Estévez joins the team after previously serving as head coach of Austin FC until May of this year.

What happened?

Chicago Fire FC filled their lead assistant coach vacancy with Estévez, who has already begun helping the club prepare for MLS action to restart on July 16. Estévez replaces former Fire assistant coach Filipe Çelikkaya, who departed the club in June after accepting the head coaching job with ZTE FC in Hungary’s top division.

Why it matters for Chicago Fire FC

Estévez brings a wealth of experience at the international and MLS levels, along with a deep understanding of player development and team dynamics. He was an assistant coach for current Chicago Fire FC director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter with the Columbus Crew and the USMNT. Estévez was also the head coach of FC Dallas from 2022-2024 and was the caretaker manager of Valencia in Spain in 2013.

What comes next?

Estévez joins a staff full of MLS experience alongside Tom Heineman, Hector Jiménez, Ryan Needs, Zach Thornton, and Joe Bendik. Chicago Fire FC director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter said: “We’re excited to welcome Nico to the coaching staff. He brings a wealth of experience at the international and MLS levels, along with a deep understanding of player development and team dynamics.” Estévez's knowledge, work ethic, and collaborative approach will make the staff even stronger.