Jim Curtin, a two-time MLS Coach of the Year, will take over as Austin FC’s next manager at the conclusion of the 2026 season, the club announced Monday.
He’s set to replace Nico Estevez, who was fired on May 18, midway through his second season leading the club. The team entered the World Cup break 14th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference standings (3-7-5, 14 points).
“I am incredibly honored to be named the Head Coach of Austin FC. This is a moment I will never forget, and I’m grateful to Anthony Precourt, Andy Loughnane, and the Club’s ownership group for the trust placed in me,” Curtin said in a statement. “From our very first conversation, they shared a vision for Austin FC that is bold, ambitious, and built for the long term. Their belief in what this Club can become is contagious, and I’m proud to help bring that vision to life.”
Previously the manager of the Philadelphia Union from 2014-24, Curtin led the Union to the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, an MLS Cup final loss in 2022 and three U.S. Open runner-up finishes in 2014, 2015 and 2018.
He amassed a 176-111-133 record over 11 seasons, leading Philadelphia to seven playoff appearances. He takes over a franchise which has made the playoffs just twice in its first five seasons.
“I had several other opportunities, both within MLS and abroad, but none of them excited me the way this project did. The city of Austin is unlike anywhere else and the chance to compete for this community was simply too compelling to pass up,” Curtin said in Monday’s statement. “This Club has some of the finest facilities in all of MLS, and Q2 Stadium is one of the great venues in North American soccer. To walk out in front of the supporters, in that atmosphere, is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. The passion of the Austin FC faithful is known across the League, and our goal will be to give you a team that fights and makes you proud every time we take the field.”
Curtin is one of just five coaches to win the MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year award multiple times (2020 and 2022), joining Bob Bradley, Sigi Schmid, Bruce Arena and Frank Yallop.
“Jim Curtin is one of the premier coaches in North American soccer, and we are exceptionally proud and incredibly excited that he has chosen Austin FC to continue his impressive journey,” Austin FC founder, CEO, and majority owner Precourt said in a statement. “Throughout his career, Jim has consistently demonstrated the leadership, character, and competitive excellence required to build winning teams and strong club cultures.”
Austin also fired sporting director Rodolfo Borrell on May 18. The search for his replacement is ongoing, the club announced.
Davy Arnaud will continue to serve as Austin’s interim coach through the remainder of the season.
–Field Level Media
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