Chicago Stars FC name Martin Sjögren head coach; assistant Anders Jacobson will serve as interim until 2026

Chicago Stars FC hired Hammarby Damallsvenskan's Martin Sjögren as head coach, the club announced Wednesday, providing optimism in what has otherwise been a disappointing season for the NWSL club. 

Sjögren will take over the reins following the 2025 season, with assistant Anders Jacobson serving as interim coach for the rest of this campaign. The Stars are second-to-last in NWSL, with just eight points in 15 matches. The club fired  manager Lorne Donaldson earlier in the season. Ella Masar has been serving as interim coach. 

Sjögren has spent his entire coaching career in Scandinavia, largely working with club teams. He also spent six years with Norway's women's team, from 2016-2022.

Chicago Stars general manager Richard Feuz stressed Sjögren and Jacobson's hiring were not only due to their resumes, but their proven success in building family cultures at previous stops. 

"We’re thrilled to welcome Martin Sjögren and Anders Jacobson to Chicago Stars FC,” Feuz said in a statement. “This appointment is the result of a rigorous, data-driven hiring process and deep discussions about our soccer identity, methodology and long-term vision. We were not just looking for top-level coaches but for people with exceptional human values, leaders who align with our ambition to build a high-performance environment rooted in trust, unity, and a true sense of family.

"Martin and Anders will bring a wealth of international experience and are fully committed to developing a clear, intelligent and forward-thinking style of play that emphasizes control, collective ambition and attacking football. Together with the rest of our staff, they will play a key role in shaping our culture and helping each player grow individually, as we work relentlessly to reach our sporting goals." 

Sjögren admitted the Stars' ambition attracted him to the role. 

"To get the opportunity to lead the Chicago Stars in the NWSL is something that I really look forward to,” Sjögren said in a statement. “I have got a very good impression of the owners and people working in the club. The future plans of the club that have been presented match my own ambition in building a sustainable and successful organization over time.

"I see lots of good opportunities to build something really interesting with the Stars. I look forward to arriving in Chicago to meet everyone and start work.”

Although Jacobsen will serve in an interim role, it appears as if Masar will also remain with the club. She has previously worked with both coaches and looks forward to reuniting with the group. 

“Martin has been someone I've known and highly respected for almost 10 years," she said. "Both him and Anders have been enthusiastically devoted to the women’s game for many years and helped support its growth. Chicago is in good hands moving forward and I look forward to his arrival.”