Jim Curtin commits future to Philadelphia Union with contract extension

Jim Curtin is going nowhere - at least until 2026.

The Philadelphia Union head coach signed a contract extension with the Eastern Conference side through the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Curtin, who's been with Philadelphia since 2014, earned the deal after leading the team to the MLS Cup final last year.

Curtin, who's been with Philadelphia since 2014, earned the deal after leading the team to the MLS Cup final last year.

"Jim is one of the top coaches in the league and we’re thrilled to have come to an agreement to extend his leadership with the Union," Philadelphia principal owner Jay Sugarman said. "We have set high goals for the club in the coming years and Jim is an essential part of achieving those goals."

"As we build towards the 2026 World Cup here in Philadelphia, Jim’s leadership is critical to the team’s success and I look forward to watching our players and this team continue to hit new milestones under his direction."

Curtin has brought the Union to new heights during his reign as head coach, including the MLS Cup final in 2022 and winning the 2020 Supporters' Shield. He has also helped Philadelphia develop young, talented players in recent years like the brotherly duo of Brenden (currently on loan at Union Berlin) and Paxton Aaronson (currently at Eintracht Frankfurt).

The Oreland, Pennsylvania native has amassed a 147-115-75 record while in charge of Philly, and he looks to add to that tally with the likes of Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza leading the way and the veteran Andre Blake in goal.

"Jim continues to bring this team to new heights year after year, proving himself to be one of the most successful coaches in the league as a two-time Coach of the Year," Philly sporting director Ernst Tanner stated.

"His commitment and passion for winning, developing our young players, and steadfast loyalty to this club and city speak volumes to who he is as a coach and as a person. His continued leadership will prove to be crucial to our club strategy going forward."

Now, the club and their boss will focus on getting back in the win column after two consecutive defeats to Atlanta United (2-0) and LA Galaxy (3-1). The Union will travel to Tennessee to take on Nashville in an Eastern Conference showdown, with the Union (sixth place on 34 points) looking to close the gap on the Music City club (second place on 38 points).