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| Owner | Tom Origer |
| General Manager | Al Lange |
| Head Coach | Jim Spavital |
| Stadium | Soldier Field (55,000) |
| Colors | Black & Red |
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Jim Spavital
CHICAGO FIRE: 1974 A SEASON TO REMEMBER ...
...Injuries and Poor Defensive Chemistry Snuff out Promising Fire Campaign
The Chicgao Fire football team played in the World Football League in 1974. Winning seven of their First 9 games, the Fire exploded leading the lead in many Offensive categories. Led by wiley veteran Quarterback Virgil Carter, dependable Running Backs Cyril Pinder and Mark Kellar, and and rabbit quick Wide Receivers James Scott and Jack Dolbin, the Fire seemed unstoppable.
Defensively the Fire were led by veteran NFL LB Rudy Kuechenberg and Ron Porter. Fiery nose guard Chuck Bailey anchored the defensive line and Harry Howard and Joe Womack, veterans from the CFL anchored the back end. Despite a fast start, Head Coach Jim Spavital was never happy with his defense and he rotated in numerous former NFL and college players hoping for a spark. It didn't work. The Fire defense only got worse.
When injuries struck mid-season, the Fire was out. Despite depth at RB and WR, the loss of starting QB Virgil Carter to a thumb injury signaled the beginning of the end. By the end of the season, the Fire Offense was a shell of itself and the defense never gained any chemistry. The team struggled to score, couldn't stop the run, and got destroyed by good passing teams. As a result, the Fire limped to the end with 10 consecutive losses.
Owner Tom Origer folded the team before the 20th game citing league financial troubles, weird scheduling quirks, and and difficulties dealing with the league office. The Fire finished the season a woeful, 7-13.
The Chicago Fire backfield inaction: Virgil Carter (7), Mark Kellar (31) and Cyril Pinder (46).
MEDIA COVERAGE
Virgil Carter was leading the WFL in most passing categories before a thumb injury sidelined him for the season.
