Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC has announced significant additions to its technical staff for the upcoming 2025 MLS season. The team has welcomed four new assistant coaches and a director of methodology and talent manager, each bringing experience from various levels of soccer in the United States and Europe.

The new assistant coaches are Filipe Celikkaya, Tom Heinemann, Hector Jiménez, and Joe Bendik, who will serve as the assistant goalkeeper coach. Vincent Cavin joins as the director of methodology and talent manager.

Head Coach Gregg Berhalter expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointments: “I’m excited to welcome this talented group to the Fire for the 2025 season,” he said. “The collective experience and insight they bring from different levels of the game, both in the U.S. and Europe, will strengthen our efforts to create a top-tier environment for player development and performance."

Filipe Celikkaya comes from Sporting Clube Portugal where he was head coach of Sporting CP B for five seasons. His coaching career began after retiring as a player in 2007. He holds a UEFA "Pro" License.

Tom Heinemann returns to MLS after coaching the U.S. U-15 Men’s Youth National Team since 2022. He has an extensive playing history across multiple U.S. leagues with two league championships under his belt.

Hector Jiménez transitions into coaching following a successful 14-year playing career in MLS with teams such as LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew, achieving three MLS Cup victories.

Joe Bendik takes on his role following a long professional playing career that spanned clubs in Norway and six MLS teams. He is currently advancing his coaching qualifications with USSF licenses.

Vincent Cavin will focus on developing top talents at Chicago Fire FC while collaborating on strategic game models with existing staff. Previously with the U.S. Men’s National Team under Berhalter's guidance, Cavin also brings extensive international experience from his time with Switzerland's national team setup.

These strategic hires aim to bolster Chicago Fire FC's ambitions for player development and competitive success in the forthcoming season.