Philadelphia Union ink Jim Curtin to a much-deserved extension

The Philadelphia Union certainly have their man.

Jim Curtin has overseen an incredibly successful run of seasons as head coach of the Philadelphia Union, a tenure that includes the Supporters Shield last season. As such, it shouldn’t be a major surprise that Curtin has signed a two-year extension with the club.

On the job since becoming the team’s interim head coach in 2014, Curtin took the Union to the top record in MLS last year as well as three U.S. Open Cup finals. The team has made the playoffs in four of his five full seasons at the helm.

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"In 2019, they won their first playoff game in franchise history when they beat the New York Red Bulls at home. The 41-year old is considered one of the top young coaches in MLS and, when he wants to be, one of the sharpest dressed men on the sidelines in the league."

His growth has coincided with an era of winning for the Union as they have become one of the most consistent clubs in MLS over the past three seasons.

Jim Curtin is the most successful head coach in Philadelphia Union history. He’s won the franchise’s only major trophy, gotten his team consistently into the playoffs as well as advancing in the U.S. Open Cup (and this year the CONCACAF Champions League). In addition, he’s developed the likes of Mark McKenzie (Genk) and Brendon Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg), both of whom are finding success with the United States national team and in good European leagues.

A successful MLS player who won the Supporters Shield in 2003 and two U.S. Open Cups while as a starting defender with the Chicago Fire, Curtin was a rock steady physical presence who was always known as a cerebral player. He is the only head coach in Philadelphia Union history with a winning record or any hardware.

The Union are off to a solid start to the season, a 4-2-2- record and 14 points good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. What is impressive is that the Union are doing this while heavily rotating their squad given their inclusion in the CONCACAF Champions League.

The Union are in the semifinals of the regional tournament and the only MLS team still involved.

After an international break, the Philadelphia Union return to action this Sunday at Atlanta United, the team they beat to advance in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer