Last Updated on October 2, 2026 by Filepe
Jim Curtin is an American soccer coach and former professional defender who spent more than a decade in charge of the Philadelphia Union and is set to become Austin FC’s head coach following the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Born on June 23, 1979, in Oreland, Pennsylvania, Curtin has spent virtually his entire adult life around professional soccer.
Behind his lengthy playing and coaching career is a close family. Curtin is married to Jen Curtin, whom he knew during his college years at Villanova University, and the couple have three children: Ryan, Avery and Miles. Soccer also runs through the wider Curtin family because Jim’s younger brother, Jeff Curtin, played professionally in Major League Soccer and was even his teammate with the Chicago Fire.
Jim Curtin’s Wife: Jen Curtin
Jim Curtin is married to Jen Curtin.
Their relationship dates back to Jim’s college years. A Philadelphia Union feature recalled that Curtin was still a Villanova student when he traveled to visit the woman who was then his girlfriend and later became his wife.
Jen therefore knew Curtin before he became an established Major League Soccer player, long before his successful coaching career with the Philadelphia Union.
The couple remained together throughout Jim’s playing career with the Chicago Fire and Chivas USA and through his transition from professional player to youth coach, assistant coach and eventually MLS head coach.
How Did Jim Curtin Meet His Wife?
Public reporting establishes that Jim and Jen were already together during his time at Villanova University.
An official Philadelphia Union profile written by journalist Kerith Gabriel recalled first meeting Curtin on a bus while the future MLS coach was a Villanova senior traveling to see his girlfriend Jen.
Jen subsequently became his wife and the mother of their three children.
The long history of their relationship means she has been beside Curtin through nearly his entire professional soccer journey.
Jim Curtin and Jen’s Family Life
Curtin has regularly described spending time with Jen and their children as one of his main priorities away from soccer.
In a 2019 interview about his life as Philadelphia Union’s head coach, he said that when he was not coaching he enjoyed spending time with Jen and their children, exploring Philadelphia, traveling and simply being together.
He has also acknowledged that coaching can make family life difficult because the job continues well beyond matchdays.
Even during the MLS offseason, coaches are involved in player recruitment, drafts, roster decisions and preparations for the following season.
Curtin once explained that he and Jen rarely had opportunities to travel alone because of his schedule, emphasizing how demanding professional coaching can be on a family.
Does Jim Curtin Have Children?
Yes. Jim Curtin and his wife Jen have three children: Ryan, Avery and Miles.
The family consists of two daughters and one son.
Multiple Philadelphia-area profiles have identified Ryan and Avery as the couple’s daughters and Miles as their son.
All three children have grown up surrounded by soccer because their father spent their childhood years working for one of Major League Soccer’s most established clubs.
Jim Curtin’s Daughter: Ryan Curtin
Ryan Curtin is Jim and Jen Curtin’s oldest child.
Ryan has appeared with her mother and siblings at Philadelphia Union events supporting her father.
The Curtin children were notably present when Jim was honored after being named the 2022 MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year, one of the biggest individual achievements of his managerial career.
Like her siblings, Ryan grew up in Philadelphia while her father coached the Union.
Curtin has generally protected his children’s privacy, discussing them primarily in the context of his experiences as a parent rather than making their personal lives part of his public profile.
Jim Curtin’s Daughter: Avery Curtin
Avery Curtin is Jim and Jen’s second daughter.
Avery also grew up around soccer and has participated in youth soccer alongside her siblings.
A 2018 Philadelphia Inquirer profile reported that Curtin’s son and two daughters were all playing youth soccer at the time.
Despite being surrounded by professional soccer, Curtin has spoken about family activities that have nothing to do with his job, including simply riding bicycles around Philadelphia with his children.
Those comments provide a picture of a coach who tries to separate his professional responsibilities from ordinary family time whenever possible.
Jim Curtin’s Son: Miles Curtin
Miles Curtin is Jim and Jen’s son and the youngest of their three publicly documented children.
Like Ryan and Avery, Miles played youth soccer while growing up.
During the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, Curtin discussed an unusual change in his routine that allowed him to spend much more time with Miles, Avery and Ryan.
Under normal circumstances, Jim would often leave home before his children woke up because of his responsibilities with the Philadelphia Union.
During the shutdown, however, he was able to see all three children at breakfast each morning and spend considerably more time around the family home.
How Jim Curtin Balances Coaching and Fatherhood
Curtin has been open about the difficulty of balancing high-level coaching with raising three children.
An MLS head coach works lengthy hours throughout the season, while offseason periods frequently involve scouting, recruitment and roster planning.
Those demands can reduce the amount of ordinary family time available.
During interviews, Curtin has consistently spoken positively about Jen’s understanding of the unusual schedule that accompanies professional soccer.
He has also made clear that family remained important regardless of the pressures surrounding the Philadelphia Union.
Jim Curtin’s Parents
The identities of Jim Curtin’s parents have not been clearly established in authoritative public soccer sources.
Reliable interviews and club profiles discuss his parents and the influence family considerations had on important decisions, but they generally do not give their names.
For that reason, names appearing on unsourced biography websites should not automatically be associated with Curtin’s mother or father.
What is well documented is that Curtin grew up in Oreland, Pennsylvania, and remained close enough to his family that financial considerations involving his parents influenced his college choice.
Jim Curtin’s Father
The name of Jim Curtin’s father has not been reliably confirmed in the strongest publicly available biographies.
Jim has nevertheless spoken about his parents when explaining why he chose Villanova University.
Curtin was an accomplished student and soccer player who had options when deciding where to attend college.
Princeton was among the possibilities, but Villanova offered him a full athletic scholarship.
Curtin later explained that he wanted to put himself in a position where he could save his parents money.
Accepting Villanova’s scholarship allowed him to receive a strong education and continue playing NCAA Division I soccer without placing the same financial burden on his family.
Jim Curtin’s Mother
The name of Jim Curtin’s mother has likewise not been firmly documented by reliable soccer sources.
She was part of the family that raised Jim and his younger brother Jeff in the Philadelphia area, where both boys developed into elite soccer players.
The fact that both brothers eventually reached Major League Soccer demonstrates the unusual level of sporting success produced by the Curtin household.
However, without a reliable first-person or institutional source providing additional information about their mother, her occupation and personal background should remain private rather than be filled in through speculation.
Jim Curtin’s Childhood in Oreland, Pennsylvania
Curtin grew up in Oreland, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia.
His roots in the region became one of the defining themes of his career.
He attended Bishop McDevitt High School before remaining in the Philadelphia area to play college soccer at Villanova University.
Although his professional playing career later took him to Chicago and California, Curtin ultimately returned home and built his coaching career with the Philadelphia Union.
His Philadelphia upbringing also meant that many of his most important football relationships existed long before he became an MLS coach.
Jim Curtin at Villanova University
Curtin joined Villanova University’s men’s soccer program in 1997.
He quickly became one of the top defenders in the BIG EAST Conference and was named BIG EAST Rookie of the Year during his freshman season.
He later earned First Team All-BIG EAST recognition during his junior and senior seasons.
His success at Villanova ultimately led to the Chicago Fire selecting him in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft.
The university remained meaningful to Curtin throughout his later coaching career because it represented both an important professional stepping stone and a choice he made partly to protect his parents financially.
Jim Curtin’s Siblings
Jim Curtin has a younger brother named Jeff Curtin.
Jeff is approximately four years younger than Jim and also became an elite soccer defender.
The brothers grew up in Oreland but took different college paths. Jim attended Villanova, while Jeff played at Georgetown University.
Both nevertheless became standout BIG EAST defenders and eventually professional players.
Jim Curtin’s Brother: Jeff Curtin
Jeff Curtin was born in Oreland, Pennsylvania, and became a highly regarded defender during his college career at Georgetown.
In 2002, Jeff was named BIG EAST Rookie of the Year.
The achievement created an unusual family distinction because Jim had won the same award at Villanova in 1997.
Georgetown reported that Jim and Jeff became the first siblings in any BIG EAST sport to win major conference awards.
Jeff continued earning All-BIG EAST honors throughout his college career and established himself as one of Georgetown’s leading defenders.
Jim and Jeff Curtin Both Played in MLS
The brothers’ careers became even more closely connected when the Chicago Fire selected Jeff Curtin in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
Jeff was taken 14th overall after finishing his Georgetown career.
At the time, Jim was already an established Chicago Fire defender and former MLS All-Star.
The selection therefore reunited the two brothers professionally.
For two seasons, Jim and Jeff were teammates in Chicago.
They became part of a relatively small group of brothers to represent the same MLS club.
Did Jim and Jeff Curtin Play Together?
Yes. Jim and Jeff Curtin both played for the Chicago Fire.
The brothers were on the club together during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
In 2007, both even appeared on the field together during MLS competition, joining the league’s relatively short list of brothers who have played simultaneously for the same team.
The situation occasionally created unusual selection decisions for Chicago’s coaching staff, with one Curtin brother replacing the other in central defense.
What Happened to Jeff Curtin’s Soccer Career?
Jeff’s professional career was considerably shorter than Jim’s.
Injuries disrupted his years with the Chicago Fire, and he later joined D.C. United.
Jeff retired from professional soccer in 2008 at only 24 years old after continuing to struggle with injuries and rehabilitation.
Although his playing career ended early, he remained connected to soccer.
More recent Philadelphia reporting has described Jeff as a soccer agent, allowing him to continue working within the sport after retirement.
Jim and Jeff Curtin’s Philadelphia Soccer Connection
The Curtin brothers are deeply connected to the Philadelphia soccer community.
Both were raised in Oreland and became prominent college players in the BIG EAST before reaching MLS.
Jim eventually became Philadelphia Union’s head coach, while Jeff remained involved in soccer in another professional capacity.
One example of that connection came through the Sullivan family, another prominent Philadelphia soccer family.
Jim had played for Larry Sullivan at Villanova, while Jeff later represented Quinn Sullivan as an agent early in the player’s professional career.
The relationships demonstrate how closely connected the Curtin family’s soccer history is with the broader Philadelphia football community.
Jim Curtin’s Playing Career
The Chicago Fire selected Curtin in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft.
He initially had to fight for playing time but eventually developed into an important defender for the club.
Curtin made 151 regular-season MLS appearances for Chicago and earned MLS All-Star recognition in 2004.
He won the Supporters’ Shield and two U.S. Open Cups during his playing career.
After leaving Chicago, he spent the final part of his career with Chivas USA before retiring from professional soccer.
Why Jim Curtin Returned to Philadelphia
After finishing his playing career, Curtin and his family wanted to return to the Philadelphia area.
The newly established Philadelphia Union provided an opportunity to come home, although not initially in the role Curtin might have expected.
Instead of immediately becoming part of the first team, he began coaching very young players in the Union’s academy system.
The decision demonstrated the importance of family and home in his career planning.
Curtin gradually worked his way through the organization, eventually becoming a first-team assistant coach.
Jim Curtin Becomes Philadelphia Union Head Coach
Curtin was appointed Philadelphia Union’s interim head coach in June 2014.
After guiding the club to the U.S. Open Cup final, he received the permanent position.
He remained in charge for more than a decade and became the most successful coach in club history.
The Union won the 2020 Supporters’ Shield under Curtin and reached the MLS Cup final in 2022.
Curtin was named MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year in both 2020 and 2022.
Jim Curtin’s Family and His 2022 Coach of the Year Award
One particularly memorable family moment came when Curtin received his second MLS Coach of the Year honor in 2022.
Jen and the couple’s three children joined him during the celebration at Philadelphia’s stadium.
The moment illustrated how closely his family had experienced the journey with him.
They had seen Curtin progress from a recently retired player coaching very young academy players to the manager of one of MLS’s most successful teams.
Jim Curtin’s Life in Philadelphia With Jen and the Children
During Curtin’s Philadelphia Union years, the family established deep roots in the city.
Profiles from that period described Jim, Jen and their children enjoying ordinary neighborhood life away from the stadium.
The children participated in youth soccer, while Jim enjoyed cycling and exploring the city with them.
Jen was described as a music fan who enjoyed Philadelphia’s cultural scene.
Despite Curtin’s public position as the coach of an MLS club, he often spoke about appreciating the relatively normal family environment they could maintain in the city.
Jim Curtin Leaves Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union and Curtin separated following the 2024 season, ending one of the longest coaching tenures in Major League Soccer.
The departure closed an extraordinary chapter involving not only Curtin’s professional career but also his family’s life in Philadelphia.
He had joined the organization in 2010 and progressed from academy coaching to becoming its longest-serving first-team manager.
His children effectively grew up during those years, making the Union closely intertwined with the Curtin family’s story.
Jim Curtin and Austin FC
On June 8, 2026, Austin FC announced that Jim Curtin would become the club’s next head coach following the conclusion of the 2026 MLS season.
Curtin will become the third permanent head coach in Austin FC history.
Davy Arnaud is continuing as interim head coach through the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Austin announced that Curtin will officially assume his role on the later of December 1, 2026, or the conclusion of Austin’s season.
The appointment begins another major chapter for Curtin after spending almost his entire coaching career with Philadelphia Union.
Jim Curtin’s Family FAQs
Who is Jim Curtin’s wife?
Jim Curtin’s wife is Jen Curtin. They were already dating while Jim attended Villanova University and later married.
Does Jim Curtin have children?
Yes. Jim Curtin and his wife Jen have three children: Ryan, Avery and Miles.
Who are Jim Curtin’s daughters?
Jim Curtin’s daughters are Ryan Curtin and Avery Curtin.
Who is Jim Curtin’s son?
Jim Curtin’s son is Miles Curtin.
Who are Jim Curtin’s parents?
The names of Jim Curtin’s parents have not been clearly established through authoritative public soccer sources. Curtin has discussed his parents, including explaining that financial considerations involving them helped influence his decision to accept a full scholarship from Villanova.
Who is Jim Curtin’s father?
The name of Jim Curtin’s father has not been reliably confirmed through the strongest publicly available soccer sources.
Who is Jim Curtin’s mother?
The name of Jim Curtin’s mother has likewise not been reliably confirmed in authoritative club or university profiles.
Does Jim Curtin have siblings?
Yes. Jim Curtin has a younger brother named Jeff Curtin, who also became a professional soccer player.
Who is Jeff Curtin?
Jeff Curtin is Jim Curtin’s younger brother. He starred at Georgetown University, won BIG EAST Rookie of the Year in 2002 and was selected 14th overall by the Chicago Fire in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
Did Jim and Jeff Curtin play together?
Yes. Jim and Jeff were teammates with the Chicago Fire and became one of the sets of brothers to play together in Major League Soccer.
Where was Jim Curtin born?
Jim Curtin was born in Oreland, Pennsylvania, United States, on June 23, 1979.
Is Jim Curtin Austin FC’s coach?
Jim Curtin has been appointed Austin FC’s next head coach. He will officially take charge after the conclusion of the 2026 season, while Davy Arnaud remains interim head coach for the rest of the current campaign.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
