New England Revolution make contact with Jim Curtin: Sources

The New England Revolution have made contact with two-time MLS Coach of the Year Jim Curtin to discuss their head coaching vacancy, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.

Curtin is widely viewed as the top managerial candidate on the MLS market. The New England Revolution parted ways with head coach Caleb Porter on Monday and talks are at a preliminary stage, but Curtin is open to talking with the Revs, sources say.

Curtin was head coach of the Philadelphia Union for a decade, guiding the team to their first-ever trophy (2020 Supporters’ Shield). The Philly native is a club legend at the Union, but was let go last winter.

After a season away from the game for the first time in decades as a player or coach, Curtin may be ready to return soon but sources indicate Curtin will only go for the right opportunity. His contract with the Union still runs through 2026.

D.C. United had contact with Curtin earlier this season about their head coaching vacancy, per sources, but ultimately nothing came of it.

New England are led by former MLS MVP Carles Gil, but missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons under Porter. The club completely overturned the roster in Porter’s vision, including 19 total signings this year (though a few have already departed). It’s unclear what kind of flexibility they’ll have this winter to make big changes again.

The Union enjoyed a long period of sustained success under Curtin before missing the playoffs in 2024 amid injuries. The relationship between Curtin and the front office had deteriorated and the Union made the controversial decision to part ways with the long-tenured coach.

In 2022, Curtin led Philadelphia to MLS Cup final, losing after penalties to LAFC. That season they lost out of the Supporters’ Shield to LAFC on a tiebreaker.

All of the club’s success came on one of the league’s lowest wage and transfer budgets. Curtin oversaw the integration and development of several academy graduates, including Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Paxten Aaronson and more.

New England are likely to contact several candidates as they go through their coaching search. The club interviewed Gio Savarese in their last coaching cycle and the former Portland Timbers head coach remains on the market.