The Chicago Fire cut coach Dave Sarachan loose on Wednesday afternoon, placing longtime assistant coach Denis Hamlett in charge on an interim basis.

Sarachan, the 2003 MLS Coach of the Year, won a Supporter's Shield and twin US Open Cup titles during a stay with the club that stretched back to November of 2002. The Fire started the 2007 season well, but have won just one of their last eight amid a stretch filled with injuries and international absences.

"We are appreciative of everything Dave has done for this organization," read a statement from Fire chief John Guppy. "At the same time, we realize that the team is not headed in the direction. (We) felt a change was necessary."

Hamlett has been on Chicago's staff for a decade and becomes only the third sideline master in team history, albeit on an interim basis. Guppy confirmed that the team would begin to search for a permanent appointee immediately.

The team will face Polish side Cracovia in a Friday friendly, then get back to league business with a July 1st visit from Colorado.