At 2:59 p.m. today, Austin FC announced that two-time MLS Coach of the Year, Jim Curtin, will take the reins of the club as its new manager.
Curtin is VERDE.
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Two-time MLS Coach of the Year Jim Curtin will become Austin FC Head Coach following the 2026 season!
📰: https://t.co/TWF0YvAyNd pic.twitter.com/4CApR22qAE
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) June 8, 2026
Curtin played nine seasons in the MLS, from 2001 to 2009, spending seven of those years with the Chicago Fire. Following his career in the MLS, he immediately jumped into coaching.
He started his career as a coach in the Philadelphia Union’s academy in 2010. Curtin would reach his managerial debut just four years later.
In 2014, he would be promoted to interim manager of the Union following the removal of John Hackworth.
During his brief tenure as the team’s interim manager, the Union lost just five of their remaining 16 matches that season. This paired with an appearance in that seasons U.S. Open Cup final saw Curtin become a permeant fixture with the club.
He would remain with the Union for more than 10 seasons, with the two parting ways on Nov. 7, 2024. Under his leadership, the Union finished runner-up in the 2022 MLS Cup as well as the U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018 and were Supporter Shield winners in 2020.
His arrival in Austin marks his first time back in a managerial position since his time with the Union. However, Curtin will have to wait till the 2027 season to step into his role, as Austin FC is set to allow interim manager, Davy Arnaud, to finish the remainder of the 2026 season.
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