Union part ways with head coach Jim Curtin

Jim Curtin has turned the Philadelphia Union into one of the more competitive teams in MLS, but a disappointing 2024 has led to a major change from the front office.

The Union have parted ways with head coach Curtin, the club announced Thursday. Curtin had served as head coach of the club for the past 10 seasons, leading the team to one Supporters’ Shield, one Eastern Conference title, and one MLS Cup Final appearance.

“Jim has been a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team’s success during his tenure,” said Union Principal Owner Jay Sugarman. “I have had the privilege to watch him grow into one of the top coaches in the league and deliver strong results and memorable moments that will be ingrained in our club’s history. This has been a difficult decision due in part to the immense gratitude and respect we have for him. We have no doubt he’ll find great success in his future coaching endeavors.”

Curtin was named Union head coach in 2014 and went on to become one of the longest-tenured coaches in recent MLS history. The Union’s record-breaking 2022 campaign featured the club’s most wins (19), most goals scored (72), fewest goals conceded (26), and greatest goal differential (+46).

Curtin became the youngest two-time recipient of the MLS Coach of the Year award (2020, 2022), becoming the fifth coach overall in league history to win the award multiple times.

He also groomed plenty of homegrown players in the Union academy and first team including current U.S. men’s national team standouts Brenden Aaronson, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, and Paxten Aaronson.

“We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jim for his passion and dedication to this club over the last ten seasons. He greatly contributed to the success the club has achieved in recent years and for that we are extremely grateful,” said Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director, Philadelphia Union. “We thank Jim for the significant impact he made both on the field and in the community. Following the 2024 season we recognize the need for change. We’ll continue to evaluate our sporting strategy and make necessary changes this offseason to best set the team up for success.”

The Union took a step back in 2024, failing to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs. They finished 12th in the Eastern Conference with 37 points in 34 matches.