The Philadelphia Union have parted ways with head coach Jim Curtin, the team announced Thursday.
“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,” said Union sporting director Ernst Tanner.
Curtin, 45, was at the helm for 10 years, having previously been an assistant coach, then caretaker manager. He won MLS coach of the year twice, in 2020 and 2022, and led the team to a Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and an Eastern Conference title in 2022.
Before coaching, the Oreland native played in college at Villanova University and as a pro in MLS with the Chicago Fire and now-defunct Chivas USA.
The Union finished this year’s regular season 12th in the 15-team Eastern Conference and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“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,” said the team’s principle owner Jay Sugarman. “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.”
The team said they have already begun their search for Curtin’s replacement. Sugarman and Tanner are set to address the media with further updates on Monday, Nov. 11.
