Chicago Fire coach Denis Hamlett's coaching staff is coming into focus. Former assistant Mike Jeffries has rejoined the Fire as an assistant, while former player Frank Klopas was named technical director. Last week, Fire legend Chris Armas accepted an offer for another assistant's position. Following the appointment, Armas spoke with Chicago Tribune writer Luis Arroyave.

"I would really feel like I was missing out if I wasn't a part of it," said the Long Island native, who interviewed for positions with the New York Red Bulls and the league, whose headquarters is also in New York. His first choice had been the Red Bulls. "I talked to [former Fire and current Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio] and he told me he had all the respect in the world for me, but he wanted someone with more coaching experience," Armas said. "I can't dispute that. It's a very important time for him. He needs to be picky."

As Fire assistant, Armas will be coaching his former teammates, a similar situation to the one Cobi Jones now find himself in, in Los Angeles. "When I was a player, I wanted to tell guys a few things but wouldn't because I didn't want to overstep my boundaries," the new Fire assistant said. "As a coach, that's my job now."

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