In a much-anticipated move, new Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman Friday announced that the team and general manager John Guppy "agreed to part ways" and announced Andell Sports Group Managing Director Javier Leon will serve in Guppy's place on an interim basis.
While the Fire said the team will begin a search for a new president and general manager immediately, Leon did serve as chief executive officer of Chivas USA Enterprises until February 2008 when he joined Andell, Hauptman's company that owns the Fire.
"John's professionalism and dedication has been valued and appreciated by the Fire organization for the past four years, but I believe it is in the team's best interest to go in a new direction with its senior leadership and management," Hauptman said in a press release.
"We are very focused on raising the level of play on the field as well as building a world-class sports enterprise," the release continued. "I am confident that Javier will do a great job managing the organization on an interim basis. Our plan is to begin a comprehensive search for a new president as quickly as possible."
Guppy, who was in San Jose with the team in anticipation of Saturday's game against the Earthquakes, said he was "surprised by the timing."
"I do think it is critical that the owner and the president are on the same page, and that wasn't necessarily the case," Guppy said in a phone interview. "For the sake of the Fire, I wish nothing but the best for the organization."
The move was not unusual following the Andell Group's acquisition of the Fire late last season. But the move became anticipated when Hauptman hosted a media dinner on March 31 and Guppy did not attend. Leon, however, was in attendance.
During the on-the-record dinner, Hauptman's endorsement of Guppy was lukewarm at best, prompting thoughts that the new owner would be bringing in his own personnel.
Guppy became president and general manager of the Fire in April 2005 in a move that sent a shockwave through the Fire faithful. He came over from the MetroStars in a shuffling of front office personnel by AEG, the company that owned both teams at the time.
Guppy replaced popular general manager Peter Wilt, who had been with the Fire since its inception in 1998.
Guppy was credited with completing the negotiations that allowed the team to move into its new home, Toyota Park, in suburban Bridgeview. While general manager, coach Dave Sarachan was released and Juan Carlos Osorio brought in, and the Colombian coached the Fire for half a season before leaving to become head coach of the New York Red Bulls. Under Guppy's watch, the Fire also won the U.S. Open Cup for the fourth time in 2006.
