The Philadelphia Union have parted ways with manager Jim Curtin in a shocking turn of events.
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Philadelphia Union part ways with Jim CurtinManager has been with club since 2014Was named MLS Coach of the Year in 200, 2022Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
After missing out on a spot in the 2024 MLS postseason, the Philadelphia Union have parted ways with manager Jim Curtin in a shocking turn of events.
Winner of the 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield and a two-time MLS Coach of the Year (2020, 2022), Curtin led the club to their first-ever silverware after joining the club in 2014. After 11 seasons in charge, the club is now set to move in a different direction.
The Union were Runners-Up to MLS Cup in 2022 under Curtin, and were three-time finalists and Runners-Up in the US Open Cup under his leadership (2014, 2015, 2018).
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Curtin was an influential figure in the growth of the club over the past decade, helping develop numerous players during his time in Philadelphia. Most notably, U.S. internationals Paxten and Brenden Aaronson both played under Curtin, while current up-and-coming brother duo Quinn and Cavan Sullivan both debuted under him as well.
Both U.S. youth internationals, the Sullivan brothers are widely-seen as two of U.S. Soccer's brightest prospects, with Cavan specifically being a special player. The 14-year-old became MLS' youngest-ever debutant under Curtin in July, 2024 – and signed the league's largest-ever Homegrown deal at the same time. In his deal, there is a clause to move to Manchester City at age 18, as well.
During the 2024 season, the Union finished 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, missing the MLS Playoffs for the first time since 2017. Over his 11 seasons in charge, Curtin managed a record of 170-90-134 (W-L-D) across all competitions.
WHAT THE UNION SAID
“Jim has been a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team’s success during his tenure,” said Jay Sugarman, Principal Owner, Philadelphia Union. “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.
“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.”
USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT?
The club has immediately started the process of searching for a new head coach, while Principal Owner Jay Sugarman and Sporting Director Ernst Tanner plan to address the media on Monday, Nov. 11 to share the club's next steps.
