Jim Curtin has turned the Philadelphia Union into one of many extra aggressive groups in MLS, however a disappointing 2024 has led to a significant change from the entrance workplace.
The Union have parted methods with head coach Curtin, the membership introduced Thursday. Curtin had served as head coach of the membership for the previous 10 seasons, main the staff to at least one Supporters’ Defend, one Japanese Convention title, and one MLS Cup Remaining look.
“Jim has been a exceptional chief and an integral a part of our staff’s success throughout his tenure,” mentioned Union Principal Proprietor Jay Sugarman. “I’ve had the privilege to look at him develop into one of many high coaches within the league and ship sturdy outcomes and memorable moments that shall be ingrained in our membership’s historical past. This has been a troublesome resolution due partially to the immense gratitude and respect we now have for him. Now we have little doubt he’ll discover nice success in his future teaching endeavors.”
Curtin was named Union head coach in 2014 and went on to change into one of many longest-tenured coaches in latest MLS historical past. The Union’s record-breaking 2022 marketing campaign featured the membership’s most wins (19), most objectives scored (72), fewest objectives conceded (26), and best aim differential (+46).
Curtin grew to become the youngest two-time recipient of the MLS Coach of the 12 months award (2020, 2022), turning into the fifth coach general in league historical past to win the award a number of occasions.
He additionally groomed loads of homegrown gamers within the Union academy and first staff together with present U.S. males’s nationwide staff standouts Brenden Aaronson, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, and Paxten Aaronson.
“We wish to lengthen our heartfelt appreciation to Jim for his ardour and dedication to this membership during the last ten seasons. He significantly contributed to the success the membership has achieved lately and for that we’re extraordinarily grateful,” mentioned Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director, Philadelphia Union. “We thank Jim for the numerous impression he made each on the sector and locally. Following the 2024 season we acknowledge the necessity for change. We’ll proceed to guage our sporting technique and make obligatory adjustments this offseason to finest set the staff up for fulfillment.”
The Union took a step again in 2024, failing to succeed in the MLS Cup Playoffs. They completed twelfth within the Japanese Convention with 37 factors in 34 matches.
