Photo: Ron Soliman
In a shocking move, Philadelphia Union parted ways with longtime manager Jim Curtin on Thursday morning, according to a club release.
“Jim has been a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team’s success during his tenure,” Union owner Jay Sugarman said in a statement. “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.”
Curtin, 45, leaves after 11 seasons in the job, taking over as interim manager after John Hackworth’s firing in mid-2014. After a rocky start, Curtin flourished, winning the first Supporters’ Shield in club history in 2020 and leading the team to its only MLS Cup appearance in 2022. He won the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award in each of those seasons. The Union made three appearances in Concacaf competition under his watch (2021, 2023, and 2024), made the MLS Cup Playoffs seven times, and appeared in four cup finals.
2024, though, was a disappointment, with the Union missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.
“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 Union sporting director Ernst Tanner. “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.”
No interim manager has been announced. A search for a new manager, the fourth in franchise history will begin immediately.
Sugarman and Tanner are set to meet the media on Monday, November 11.
Good luck Jim but it’s time to move on. Wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up on the USMNT staff somehow.
Not in for this. Over his career has out performed the talent and budget. This season they sold on his best striker and best mid.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up on the Canadian NT.
not a wise move, the fan base will diminish until sugarman is out of the picture, he does not care about the quality of the team composition because he watches the bottom line….So we the fans will pay for inferior team while the franchise worth increases. I believe Curtin endured all the baby sitting a coach could endure…. Good luck Jim
Necessary and time. Good luck Jim and thank you for the effort and dedication.
Two names to watch as the Union look to hire their next coach:
Roger Schmidt (Most recently Benfica; former PSV, Leverkusen & RB Salzburg manager)
Thomas Letsch (Most recently VfL Bochum; former Vitesse, Austria Vien & RB salzburg manager)
Both have worked with/for Ernst before, employ the same playing style of the high press and have used both the
4-3-1-2 and 4-2-2-2 throughout their careers.
those sound like very good football coaches but knowing how cheap sugarman is he will hire leblanc the cecond team as coach ?????
Given ownerships reluctance to spend on players, why would they come here?
Good thoughts, but I can’t see either guy coming to a club like the Union.
When ownership doesn’t want fans to focus on the organization’s financial shortcomings, they make a news story about something else as a distraction.
–
Jim deserves better than this. He won those awards and all of those games not just because he’s a great coach, but because he’s a great coach AND figured out a way for his team to punch miles above it’s weight for a decade.
–
He deserves better.
Was there a power struggle or deep disagreement between Curtin and Tanner? I don’t really understand the decision.
.
Curtin achieved a ton on one of the tightest budgets. He had flaws, but certainly evolved into a good coach. I wish him luck and hope he wins a few trophies in his next gig.
There was a lot of dissent bubbling through the cracks this year. It was mainly displayed by Blake and Wagner, two players who were pretty much bulletproof and couldn’t be retaliated against.
.
If I had to guess there was a lot more going on under the hood.
Firing him is absurd. Puts a lot of pressure on Tanner. Tanner better nail the hire and some signings, otherwise he’s next, one would assume.
Imagine losing the best striker and best CDM in team history then shitcanning the coach who earned the right to de out his contract.
.
Course when you go public about AMBITION.
Honestly, I think this is the best for Jim.
The Union has no intention of evolving as an organization, and it seemed like Jim would just stagnate as coach if he stayed.
–
He has the pedigree and I think more allies and people that are willing to vouch for him in the MLS than Ernst does so I think he can have a good selection of places to land. (My personal choice would be an assistant for the upcoming USMNT as he already has a relationship with lots of players there and would be a great asset to the upcoming cycle)
–
One thing to keep in mind. Jim is a great coach who has had great success with his team. A coach with somewhat infuriating flaws who has never won the big game with an organization that never really gave him the final pieces to put it together.
–
A coach who could flourish with another organization.
–
I’m not saying Jim Curtin is going to be the Union’s Andy Reid but he could become the Union’s Andy Reid.
he deserves a fresh start. I’ll be happy if he prospers under another owner and TD. Like Andy, a fresh start can do wonders.
I think it’s pretty clear that Jim will be fine. He’s been universally lauded across the league and probably needed to go. 10 years is an eternity in this sport. We will find more success.
–
It’s not nearly as clear what this means for the Union. They’ll need someone who can get a good tune out of an average squad. These guys don’t grow on trees. I’m sure Tanner has ideas. In the long run, I think it was time to go.Team was just stale all around. Not saying that was Jim’s fault, but he wasn’t blameless.
–
As a gent, I’m defined to see him go. He is a tremendous guy. Couldn’t ask more from him, really. He’ll always be welcomed back.
*I’m sad to see him go.
Pep?
What a shocking week.
Agree with comments above. JC is first class and truly embodied the Philly spirit. He will succeed elsewhere. I’d like for him to stay in the league to see what he could do with another MLS club with backing.
I heard Atlanta was interested in interviewing him for their last manager opening but Jim turned them down. It’s interesting to imagine him with a MLS club that actually spends cash.
Not too different from some comments above, but I suspect that Jim finally has enough leverage and credibility to walk in to Tanner’s office and demand better players. Tanner, probably handcuffed by Sugarman, said “no can do.” Jim wins in this situation. I suspect this is not Tanner’s fault, he’s operating within his boss’ restrictive guidelines.
I would really appreciate more direction and ambition from the owner.
+1
either this, or he was frustrated enough to say something they had to respond to.
The Union are trying every way possible to alienate the loyal fans and show that they care about nothing other than bottom line profits.
Sure Jum is not perfect, but no one is. Overall he did the best job possible with the tools he was given. Sugarman refuses to spend money on much needed players and expects a coach that has the Midas touch. In fact I would say that this team has overperformed over the past decade based on the players they had.
Ownership decides not to make any substantial upgrades over the past 3 seasons while other teams bring in the likes of Messi, Bouanga Benteke, Arango, etc… When the expected result actually happens, they then fire the coach. Way to go Sugarman in reinforcing your cheapness and lack of any desire to make this a better team in today’s MLS.
This is such a strong case for moving to a league with relegation and promotion. The owners are then forced to at least try to stay relevant.
It was an amazing experience to attend MLS Cup 2022 in LA even though they lost. I fully expect that may be the last time they are in that final game until we get an ownership group that wants to actually invest in the players.
Until that time, I have a short list of potential coaches that will align well with the ownership:
Bozo
Ronald McDonald
Krusty
P.S. We should all wear shirts to opening day that simply say “Sugarman Sucks”
This is insane
certainly is. never having hired a manager outside this org since day 1, they have no one with loyalty to the org like Jim had. frustrating at times? sure he was. but on the list of things to do this season, axing him wasn’t high on my list.
has was deservedly sought after by other teams and I hope he lands somewhere with a budget and renewed passion. let that future fanbase shout to the heavens “why won’t you use your subs?!” and still stand by him.
Sorry to see Jimmy go. He is a success already. He will continue.
Immediately to Ring of Honor please (if that is not reserved only for players).
Sean says it best here, re: ring of honor
https://twitter.com/sean_gris_psp/status/1854568737417953579?s=46&t=F3XkhyuOwaW4gbHL1cPc4w
I expect this was partly about the numbers. In past years, Jim has exceeded expectations – getting more out of modest players and team and budget. They punched above their weight. But the last two seasons, 2024 in particular, he got less. Yes there were injuries. Yes the team is not as good as the best in the league. But Jim also failed to get them to play above their level. They often played below their talent.
.
I also think it gives the club a chance to grow with a different perspective and influence. If they use it right.
.
I will miss Jim, and I appreciate what he’s been able to do. This may be a great growth opportunity for him as well. If he manages to get a team with more aspirations, more budget, better players… he could be a force in this league.
I think the underlying data says he did what he always did: put them in a position to be successful. That the players didn’t deliver is a different story, and that many of those players were gone for decent chunks of the season or sold altogether is a third.
Absolutely no class, Union. This man has done wonders for the franchise and its future. Could have said there was an agreement reached to part ways. To announce he was “fired”? Management should be “fired” for its lack of respect for the only guy who has brought respect for a club that has been operating on a shoestring since it was born.
Good luck Coach. We will miss your energy, passion and great skill in developing players. Fare well in your next gig!
To be fair, “fired” was used in PSP’s headline as an encapsulation of what happened. The Union’s press release does not mention that he was fired, sacked, terminated for cause, shown the gate, axed, canned, ousted or otherwise discharged, regardless of the accuracy of those terms.
.
Best of luck Jim. Somewhere else. Thanks for putting up with Sugarman & Co. You deserved better.
Will this make the club better? Probably not, certainly in the short term. Is it time for a new voice in the locker room? Perhaps. 10 years in sport is an eternity.
Looking ahead, I doubt trophies are in the future. My guess is the next hire will play the kids, so Jay can sell the kids.
Thank you for everything Jim..
Good Luck Coach
You deserve better.
Thanks for all the memories.
I hope to see your name in the Ring of Honor.
As a founding Member, 15 year season ticket holder, the firing of Jim Curtin who had to over produce year after year due to the Union having one of THE CHEAPEST MLS PAYROLLS, this only confirms the ownership direct lies that they tried to peddle at the team meeting a while back. THEY HAVE NO DESIRE TO WIN, their only concern is their own pockets, so be it, you’ll just need to find another SUCKER to buy my BELOVED SEAT… your greed is disgusting and I hope your investment starts reversing in value as you DO NOT CARE about anything but YOUR BOTTOM LINE, SELL THE TEAM AND TAKE YOUR BAGS OF MONEY ELSEWHERE
As a founding Member, 15 year season ticket holder, the firing of Jim Curtin who had to over produce year after year due to the Union having one of THE CHEAPEST MLS PAYROLLS, this only confirms the ownership direct lies that they tried to peddle at the team meeting a while back. THEY HAVE NO DESIRE TO WIN, their only concern is their own pockets, so be it, you’ll just need to find another SUCKER to buy my BELOVED SEAT… your greed is disgusting and I hope your investment starts reversing in value as you DO NOT CARE about anything but YOUR BOTTOM LINE, SELL THE TEAM AND TAKE YOUR BAGS OF MONEY ELSEWHERE. Best wishes Coach, THANK YOU for your OVER-ACHEIVED accomplishments and I’m sure you’ll hit the ground running.
This is very odd. “Part ways?” That sounds like he was fired. Maybe the Sullivan family engineered this? I agree Jim will do better elsewhere. Which begs the question, Tanner could do better elsewhere too. Maybe that’s the next shoe to drop?
What makes you think the Sullivan family had anything to do with?
Mr. Sugarman: unless you are committed to winning, i.e., sharing ownership with more “deep pockets”, you are forever destined to mediocrity. Jim was the best hope you had to manage the cheaper pros you could while overseeing the best youth program in, possibly, the world. Shame on you! Get a “deep pockets” partner or sell your ownership! You have been the same since the beginning.
Thank you, Jim.
.
It was going to end some day. I personally think you’re a patsy but hey… if you’re gonna call out ownership for a lack of drive to win— you’re gonna get some flack back.
.
My favorite guy in the entire club. I hope he goes to Europe and succeeds. Good Luck Jim!!!
Now that the initial shock of this has faded, here are some thoughts.
.
First, thank you to Jim for the great memories the teams he’s lead have given us. His candor and approachability will always be appreciated in an industry that is too often lacking.
.
Second, this isn’t really all that surprising when one takes a step back and looks at the big picture.
.
For 10+ seasons commenters here have been bemoaning Curtin’s lack of diversity in subs, lineups, player selection, etc. I keep seeing complaints that Philly never replaced Carranza and Martinez. That’s BS, they purchased Baribo in August 2023…… when Curtin was forced to play him, all he did was score 16 goals in 26 games. They brought in Danley from Ligue 1. How many fans complained that Torres wasn’t getting shot last season? Bueno was forced into the lineup last summer and he played great….
.
I realize the Academy is a polarizing thing to the fanbase. The reality is that the Union have an overabundance of talented players coming through. This past summer Curtin rolled out the vets and played Quinn out of position. Why not play Olney? David Vasquez when Gazdag was out? Why not give Olwethu a chance seeing as Glesnes and Elliott have clearly regressed?
.
It’s easy to point the finger at Ownership, and bemoaning the fact that the Union don’t spend millions on transfer fees. I totally get that frustration, and agree with it. At the same time, ownership has always been honest about the fact that they aren’t going to spend like the Chicago’s, Toronto’s, Seattle’s and even Portland’s of the league. Jim has politely been critical of this in nearly every press conference. I would imagine that can ware thin with those writing the checks.
.
Jim’s loyal to his guys. This goes back to the lack of subs and lineup variations. How many fans have complained the past two+ seasons about Bedoya playing and/or starting all of the time? IMO, Jim didn’t want a major overhaul of the roster this offseason. He said as much after the Cincy game in his last press conference. Reading between the lines it appears that Tanner wants to make more significant changes to the roster, and Jim didn’t agree with them.
,
I see a lot of talk about how the Union did Jim dirty!!! Jim didn’t deserve this!! Jim deserves better!! I get it. I understand this sentiment. Jim is Philly born and raised. Good coach who’s grown into the role. Even better human being. Nobody deserves a divorce, or to get laid off. these things are never easy, and they very rarely go the way that they “should” go. As someone who’s gone through a lay off after 14 years with a company…. yeah it sucked in that moment. It was a total shock. My former boss and team members weren’t happy about it and didn’t agree with it. In the end, it’s the best thing that ever happened for me. Jim is going to get paid the next two years. He’s going to have his choice of jobs be it as a pundit for a bit or new coaching gig. Jim is going to be just fine.
.
The Union are ultimately going to be fine as well. They need a new voice. This will be the first time that a Sporting Director is going to be able to make a head coaching hire in the Union’s history. Just look at Tanner’s CV. Next season is going to look and be different. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either.
This had to happen. It should’ve happened the Monday after decision day and not fester this long. Yeah, Sugarman AND Tanner should be a half-stride behind him, but rebuilding this dumpster fire has to start somewhere. ESPN’s defense of Curtin on their soccer site smacked of a lack of understanding of facts on the ground.