A USSF B license holder, assistant coach Eric Gehrig joined head coach Veljko Paunovic’s coaching staff on Feb. 15, 2016 after announcing his retirement from a professional playing career that spanned six seasons. The Harvey, Ill. born defender joined the Fire on Dec. 10, 2014 in a trade with Orlando City SC, who had acquired his rights in the MLS Expansion Draft. The 2015 Fire Defensive Player of the Year, Gehrig appeared in 30 games and tallied one assist in regular season matches for the Men in Red from 2015-16.
Gehrig began his professional career when he joined Columbus Crew SC as a Discovery Signing prior to the start of the 2011 season. Gehrig made his MLS debut on June 26 against the Colorado Rapids and started four of eight appearances in his rookie season. Gehrig appeared in a total of 46 regular season matches for the Black & Gold, and also made two postseason appearances, starting the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the New England Revolution in 2014.
A four-year standout at Loyola University Chicago, Gehrig was also a member of the Fire PDL squad that reached the PDL Championship game in 2009.
