Austin FC has officially announced that Jim Curtin will take the helm as the club’s third permanent Head Coach, officially assuming the role following the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Soccer season (no earlier than December 1).
While Curtin prepares to take over for the 2027 campaign, Davy Arnaud will remain in charge as Interim Head Coach for the rest of the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the club’s search for a permanent Sporting Director is ongoing, with assistance from Excel Search & Advisory.
A Proven Winner Comes to the Verde & Black
Curtin arrives in Austin after a highly successful decade-long tenure with the Philadelphia Union, where he built a reputation for consistency, elite player development, and a fierce competitive culture.
His resume speaks for itself:
- 141 Regular Season Wins: Ranks 9th all-time in MLS history.
- Two-Time Coach of the Year: Won the MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year award in both 2020 and 2022.
- 7 Playoff Appearances: Led Philadelphia to the postseason seven times in 10 seasons.
- Silverware & Finals: Captured the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield, won the 2022 Eastern Conference title, and reached the 2022 MLS Cup Final.
Elite Tactical Balance
During his peak years in Philadelphia, Curtin’s teams were powerhouse squads on both sides of the ball. Between 2019 and 2023, the Union secured five consecutive top-four finishes in the Eastern Conference.
Stat Highlight: During their historic 2022 run to the MLS Cup Final, Curtin’s squad boasted the league’s best attack and defense simultaneously, averaging 2.1 goals scored and just 0.8 goals conceded per match.
From All-Star Player to Elite Manager
Before finding success on the sidelines, Curtin enjoyed a standout 9-year MLS playing career as a defender for the Chicago Fire and Chivas USA.
Curtin originally joined the Philadelphia Union organization in 2010, working his way up to Interim Head Coach in 2014 before earning the permanent job and becoming the most successful manager in Union history.
Looking Ahead
Austin FC fans will have to wait until the conclusion of the current season to see Curtin officially take the reins. In the meantime, the team is gearing up to return to the pitch. Following the FIFA World Cup 2026™ break, Austin FC’s regular season will resume on Wednesday, July 22, against Seattle Sounders FC at Q2 Stadium (7:30 p.m. CT).