Philadelphia Union Part Ways with Longtime Head Coach Jim Curtin

The Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday that they have parted ways with their longtime head coach, Jim Curtin. Curtin, who has been at the helm of the team since 2014, is the longest-tenured coach in the club’s history and one of the longest-tenured coaches in Philadelphia sports, second only to the Eagles‘ Andy Reid who coached for 14 seasons.

Curtin took over as interim manager after John Hackworth’s firing in mid-2014 and later became the permanent head coach. During his tenure, he led the Union to significant successes, including the club’s first Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and their first MLS Cup final appearance in 2022. He was named the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year in both 2020 and 2022.

Despite these achievements, the 2024 season was a disappointment for the Union, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. This downturn led to the decision to part ways with Curtin. In a statement, Union owner Jay Sugarman praised Curtin, saying, “Jim has been a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team’s success during his tenure. 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.

Sporting director Ernst Tanner also expressed gratitude, highlighting Curtin’s contributions both on the field and in the community. The club has begun its search for a new head coach and will evaluate their sporting strategy to ensure future success.

Sugarman and Tanner are set to meet the media on Monday, November 11, to discuss the future of the team and the search for a new head coach.