THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Juan Carlos Osorio resigned as manager of the Chicago Fire on Monday, apparently to take a similar position with the New York Red Bulls.
Joining the Red Bulls would return Osorio to New York, where he served as an assistant coach under Octavio Zambrano in 2000 when the club was known as the MetroStars.
The Fire said in a release that it would receive compensation from the Red Bulls in the form of draft picks, salary cap allocation money and cash, but offered no specifics.
The Red Bulls did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment. Earlier Monday, team spokesman Andy McGowan had said only that the club was granted permission by Chicago to speak with Osorio about the position.
Osorio returned to the MLS when he left 13-time Colombian league champion Millonarios in July, joining the Fire in midseason after Dave Sarachan was fired and guiding them to within one game of the MLS Cup championship game.
Osorio was helped by the addition of Mexico striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco and 25-year-old defender Wilman Code, who followed Osorio from Millonarios.
"Despite the Fire’s best efforts to keep Juan in Chicago, he determined that he needed to leave Chicago for family and personal reasons," Fire President John Guppy said. "While we certainly respect his decision, the timing of the departure was unexpected and is unfortunate.".
Osorio’s agent Ron Waxman said he had "absolutely no comment," even refusing to confirm that his client was in negotiations with the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls have been looking for a coach since former U.S. national team manager Bruce Arena resigned Nov. 5 after 1 1/2 seasons. They reportedly were denied permission to speak to Chivas USA manager Preki.
Osorio would be the 11th manager in New York’s 12-year history — the most of any MLS club, and fifth since the start of 2005 — including interim manager Richie Williams.