Chicago Fire re-signs sporting director, technical director despite missing playoffs again

Chicago Fire FC on Tuesday announced that Sporting Director Georg Heitz has signed a contract extension.

The 2024 MLS campaign will mark Heitz's fifth season in charge of the club's football operations, and the club has missed the playoffs in each of Heitz's first four seasons.

The Fire finished the 2023 season last month in 13th place in the 15-team Eastern Conference with a 10-14-10 record.

Additionally, the Fire has agreed to a contract extension with Technical Director Sebastian Pelzer, who will also return for his fifth season in Chicago.

No terms were announced. No decision on a coach has been announced either. The Fire dismissed coach Ezra Hendrickson in May and finished the season with interim coach Frank Klopas.

The Fire has made the MLS playoffs twice in the last 14 seasons. It has scored 1 playoff goal in those 14 seasons and has zero playoff wins.

"I'm pleased that Georg and Sebastian will continue to lead our sporting operations," said Chicago Fire Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto. "As we continue working toward building a world-class organization deeply connected to the community, Georg and his team have created a strong foundation that will lead to sustained success. Our fans deserve to support a team that is a consistent contender for trophies, and heading into the 2024 season, we are all committed to taking the necessary steps to bring more success to the Chicago Fire."