The Chicago Fire announced on Tuesday that head coach Denis Hamlett will not return to the team next season.

"Denis has a long history with the club and has been a part its success since our inaugural year in 1998," Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas said. "We are grateful for his commitment to the Fire and his leadership throughout his career with the club. We wish him the very best and he will always be considered a part of the Fire family. Right now, the Fire has decided to take the team in a new direction in 2010."

Hamlett has been with the Chicago Fire coaching staff since its inaugural season in 1998 and was named head coach on prior to the 2008 season. In his two seasons as coach, Hamlett earned a regular season record of 24-17-19, leading the Fire to the Eastern Conference Final in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons as well as the SuperLiga Final in 2009.

Klopas will manage all team decisions until a replacement can be found.