The New York Red Bulls have added C.J. Brown to the coaching staff, the club announced today. Brown, a longtime MLS player, joins Chris Armas' staff with nine years of coaching experience, including eight seasons as an assistant in MLS.

Brown, a native of Eugene, Oregon, enjoyed a 13-year professional career, including 10 seasons alongside Armas with the Chicago Fire. Both were part of the inaugural Fire team that won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup in 1998, and went on to win a Supporters' Shield and three more U.S. Open Cups as teammates.

"I'm excited to add C.J. to my staff," said Red Bulls Head Coach Chris Armas. "From the early days of Major League Soccer, we spent many incredible years together, learning what real teams are about. C.J. is a winner and a great competitor. Those qualities, along with his experience and work ethic, have turned him into a great coach. He knows our conference and league, he knows our team, and he knows what it takes to win. We're looking forward to getting C.J. quickly integrated with our team and our way of doing things."

Brown's time in Chicago included two seasons during Denis Hamlett's head coaching tenure in 2008 and 2009. Hamlett was also an assistant with the Fire from 1998 through 2007. Brown was the seventh member of Chicago's Ring of Fire, and the third player inducted. After retiring, the center back immediately transitioned into coaching, including stints with Real Salt Lake, the Chicago Fire, New York City FC, and Orlando City SC.

"As C.J.'s coach, I watched him develop from a good young player into a true leader," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "He has a great mind for the game, he understands Major League Soccer, and he's a proven winner. I know his experience will be an asset to Chris and the rest of our staff."