Philadelphia Union's Curtin wins MLS Coach of the Year
Jim Curtin has been rewarded for his work with the Philadelphia Union this season, winning the MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award on Tuesday.
Curtin oversaw a wildly successful campaign that culminated in the Union's first trophy; Philadelphia secured the 2020 Supporters' Shield after finishing with the best regular-season record in MLS.
Philadelphia's growth into an MLS Cup contender has been largely credited to Curtin's dedication, the club's academy, and the homegrown players who have played increasingly important roles over the last few seasons.
Heart of a Homegrown 💙
— X - PhilaUnion🛡 (@PhilaUnion) November 17, 2020
A Philly native, Coach Curtin has stayed true to our #PlayTheKids philosophy, a major key to our successes throughout our season.#DOOP | #CoachOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/EGLgkqdx27
The team initially brought Curtin in on an interim basis in 2014, but he was given the full-time job after a successful end to that season.
After reaching the quarterfinals last season, the Union looked poised to be one of the league's top teams in 2020. But MLS suspended the season in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When play resumed, the Union reached the semifinals of the MLS is Back Tournament. Philadelphia soared to the top of the table once the regular season restarted in August, ending the campaign with a 12-3-3 record.
Orlando City's Oscar Pareja was the runner-up in the overall vote, while Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney finished third.