The Chicago Fire have a head-coaching position to fill this offseason, and Mike Petke might just be the man for the job.
According to a report from Metro New York, the Fire have interviewed Petke, among several others, for the role of head coach. Chicago's previous leader, Frank Yallop, was relieved of his duties in September, and the club's technical director, Brian Bliss, has overseen the team on an interim basis.
The 39-year-old Petke did not comment on the matter, per the report. He previously was in charge of the New York Red Bulls during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, but was controversially fired and replaced with Jesse Marsch this past January.
Petke's resume as a head coach might not be extensive, but he has already found levels of success. The former center back's inaugural campaign in 2013 saw him and the Red Bulls hoist the Supporters' Shield for the first time, and he got the team to within a goal of the MLS Cup final a year ago.
Petke recently admitted that he wanted to return to the sidelines. Meanwhile, Bliss stated this month that he was open to staying on as Fire head coach on a permanent basis.
Chicago had their worst season in 2015, finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 8-20-6 record.
