The Philadelphia Union announced that Head Coach Jim Curtin signed a new multi-year contract extension on Tuesday.
Curtin's contract was set to expire at the end of the 2023 MLS season, but his new deal means he will be with the Union through 2026.
The two-time MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year is the second longest-tenured coach in the MLS behind Sporting Kansas City's Peter Vermes, with Curtin in his tenth year as Union Head Coach.
Philadelphia Union Principal Owner, Jay Sugarman was delighted to keep the 44-year-old at the helm, stating: “Jim is one of the top coaches in the league, and we’re thrilled to have agreed to extend his leadership with the Union.
“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 is the most successful coach in Philadelphia Union history, with the franchise enjoying sustained success since he led the team to the Supporters' Shield title in 2020. That led to the team's inaugural run in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Mexican giants Club America.
The 2022 season was the best in Union history for points, wins, goals, assists, goal differential and fewest goals conceded, culminating in an MLS Cup Final appearance, where Philadelphia lost devastatingly to LAFC on penalties. LAFC would end the Union's dreams during this season's Champions League, knocking Curtin's side out in the semi-finals.
Ernst Tanner, the Union Sporting Director, said: “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.
“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."