Chicago Stars Fire Coach

The Chicago Stars have parted ways with head coach Martin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson, the team announced. Sjögren, who had a 4-1-13 record as head coach, is being replaced by Karina Báez, who has been appointed as interim head coach.

Báez has been with the Chicago Stars for three seasons as an assistant coach and has extensive experience in various technical roles, including as a head coach abroad. She will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The team has also brought back Lorne Donaldson as interim director of coaching, a role in which he will oversee the technical staff for the rest of the season. Donaldson previously coached the Chicago Stars from 2024-2025 and expressed his excitement to return to the team.

The changes come as the Chicago Stars are currently in last place in the NWSL standings with 12 points. The team's last win was on July 5 against the Utah Royals.

## What's Next The Chicago Stars are determined to make the club a serious contender in the NWSL and have a plan in place to do so beginning now and leading into the 2027 season, according to club President Karen Leetzow. The team will now add a new head coach search to the mix, in addition to hiring for the general manager role, which has been vacant since Richard Fuez was fired in May.

The team's decision to part ways with Sjögren and Jacobson is likely an attempt to turn the season around and improve their performance in the NWSL. With Báez and Donaldson at the helm, the Chicago Stars will look to earn some wins in the final stretch of the season and build momentum for the 2027 season.

## Background The Chicago Stars have been undergoing changes in their coaching staff and front office. In May, the team fired general manager Richard Fuez, and Beatrice Caliani has been serving as assistant general manager since then. The team has been hiring for the general manager role and will now add a new head coach search to the mix.