The Chicago Fire announced they have hired Veljko Paunovic as the club's new head coach.

Paunovic, 38, has coached Serbia’s U-20 side since August 2012 and led the team to the 2015 U-20 World Cup title in the summer. 

“In the face of stiff competition from other global soccer clubs, we are extremely fortunate to have secured our first choice, Veljko Paunovic, as our head coach,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez in a club release. “We conducted a thorough search process and, over its course, Pauno consistently graded highest across all of our desired characteristics. He is a champion, teacher of the game and man of great principle and integrity.”

Paunovic played for 11 teams over a long career, including stops in Spain, Serbia, Germany and the USA, where he played for the Philadelphia Union during the 2011 season – his final campaign as a pro. He was capped twice by the Serbia and Montenegro national team.

"I love this kind of challenge, where you have to build a champion by giving your best in every moment," Paunovic said. "I see the Chicago Fire as a hurt lion ready to unleash all its power.”

Paunovic replaces Frank Yallop as Chicago's head coach. The Fire had the worst record in MLS in 2015, posting a 8-20-6 mark.