Philadelphia Union Fire Head Coach Jim Curtin

Curtin joined the Union organization in 2010 as an academy coach, was promoted to assistant coach in 2012, and became interim head coach in 2014.

Chester, Pa. — In a move that shocked not only the Philadelphia Union fanbase but MLS as a whole, the Philadelphia Union announced that they have fired Jim Curtin after 10 seasons as head coach.

Curtin was the second-longest tenured coach in MLS, behind Peter Vermes of Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 season was one to forget for the Union, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Union finished 12th in the Eastern Conference (9-15-10) with their lowest points tally (37) since 2015. The club also set a record for fewest home wins in club history, finishing with just four.

Injuries and player sales contributed to the Union's disappointing season. Goalkeeper Andre Blake missed 20 out of 34 games, while key players Julián Carranza and José Martínez were sold during the summer transfer window.

“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.”

During his time as head coach, Curtin built an impressive résumé:

• Two-time MLS Coach of the Year (2020, 2022), becoming only the fifth coach in MLS history to win that honor multiple times

• First trophy in Union history (2020 Supporters' Shield)

• MLS Cup finalist (2022)

• Three-time U.S. Open Cup finalist (2014, 2015, 2018)

• Leagues Cup third-place finish (2023)

• Most points in MLS from 2019–2023 (278)

• First playoff win in Union history (2019, 4-3 win over New York Red Bulls)

• Two Eastern Conference Finals (2021, 2022)

Under Curtin’s leadership, the Union signed 21 players to homegrown contracts and sold three of them — Brenden Aaronson (RB Salzburg), Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Mark McKenzie (K.R.C. Genk). Additionally, homegrown players Nathan Harriel and Jack McGlynn represented the club in the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the first time in club history that active players participated in the Games.

“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.”

The Union did not name an interim coach, but an announcement is expected in the coming days. The club also announced that the search for a new manager has begun immediately, and Ernst Tanner and Jay Sugarman will meet with the media on Monday.