Rebuilding of Fire roster under way

New Chicago Fire coach Frank Yallop took the first steps toward remaking the Fire roster when he declined contract options on eight players, including some popular veterans.

Midfielders Chris Rolfe, Daniel Paladini and captain Logan Pause were among the players whose options were declined, though the Fire is expected to try to re-sign all three and others for less money to clear more space under the salary cap.

Ten players had their options picked up, including starters Sean Johnson, Austin Berry and Jalil Anibaba. The Fire has seven players already under contract for 2014, including Bakary Soumare and 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee.

Yallop last week hired Brian Bliss as the team’s technical director to help with the player personnel process. He has not yet hired assistant coaches, though strength and conditioning coach Tony Jouaux was kept on from Frank Klopas’ staff.

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