Top News

Austin FC have confirmed the appointment of Jim Curtin as their new head coach, effective after the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the club announced on Monday.

Interim manager Davy Arnaud will continue to guide the Verde & Black through the remainder of the current campaign, while the search for a permanent sporting director is still ongoing.

Curtin joins Austin following an illustrious 11-year tenure as head coach of the Philadelphia Union (2014–2024).

“Jim Curtin is one of the top coaches in North American football, and we are immensely proud and thrilled that he has chosen Austin FC to continue his remarkable journey,” said club founder, CEO, and majority owner Anthony Precourt.

“Throughout his career, Jim has consistently displayed leadership, integrity, and a commitment to excellence that builds winning teams and strong club cultures.”

A two-time Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year (2020 and 2022), Curtin led Philadelphia to the 2020 Supporters’ Shield title and guided them to the MLS Cup 2022 presented by Audi final.

The former centre-back, who played for Chicago Fire FC and Chivas USA, compiled a record of 170 wins, 90 losses, and 134 draws across all competitions during his 11 seasons at Philadelphia. Under his leadership, the Union qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs seven times.

“It’s an incredible honour to be named head coach of Austin FC. This is a moment I’ll cherish forever, and I’m deeply grateful to Anthony Precourt, Andy Loughnane, and the club’s ownership group for their trust in me,” Curtin said.

“From our very first conversation, they shared a vision for Austin FC that is bold, ambitious, and long-term. Their belief in what this club can achieve is inspiring, and I’m proud to help bring that vision to life.”

Curtin parted ways with the Union after the 2024 MLS season and remained unattached before agreeing to join Austin.

He will become the third permanent head coach in the club’s history, succeeding Josh Wolff and Nico Estévez, who left the club in May.

“I had several other opportunities, both within MLS and overseas, but none appealed to me quite like this project,” Curtin explained. “Austin is a city unlike any other, and the chance to represent this community was simply too special to turn down.

“This club boasts some of the finest facilities in MLS, and Q2 Stadium is among the most electric venues in North American football. To step out in front of those supporters, in that atmosphere, is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”

Curtin will inherit a squad featuring Designated Players Brandon Vazquez and Facundo Torres, veteran goalkeeper Brad Stuver, and club-record signing Myrto Uzuni. Homegrown midfielder Owen Wolff and Canadian international Jayden Nelson also remain key components of the side.

“The passion of Austin FC fans is renowned across the league,” Curtin added. “Our mission will be to give them a team that battles hard and makes them proud every time we take the pitch.”

At the time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, Austin FC sit 14th in the Western Conference standings with 14 points, holding a 3W-7L-5D record.