The Philadelphia Union parted ways with two-time MLS Coach of the Year Jim Curtin on Thursday after 11 seasons.
Curtin, 45, guided the team to its first MLS Cup final appearance in 2022, losing to Los Angeles FC on penalties.
The Union (9-15-10, 37 points) finished 12th in the 15-team Eastern Conference in 2024 and missed the playoffs.
“Jim has been a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team’s success during his tenure,” team owner Jay Sugarman said. “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, a former MLS All-Star defender with the Chicago Fire (2001-08) and Chivas USA (2008-09), became the Union head coach in 2014. He led Philadelphia to the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and three runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open Cup (2014, 2015 and 2018), winning MLS Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2022.
“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,” sporting director Ernst Tanner said. “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 club has begun its search for a head coach, according to Thursday’s press release.
–Field Level Media