Jim Curtin: Philadelphia Union Reportedly Remove Interim Tag

Aug 9, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union interim head coach Jim Curtin talks to Philadelphia Union forward Brian Brown (17) before he enters the match during the second half against the Montreal Impact at PPL Park. The Philadelphia Union won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

According to a “league source” and many other reputable sources, the Philadelphia Union have removed Jim Curtin’s interim tag. This is a good move by the Union as they fight for playoff spot. Curtin also brought life to the Union after a slow start.

(At this moment, there has been no official word from the league or the team on Curtin’s interim tag removal, but it seems to be only a matter of time before this news is official).

Some Union fans may be thinking, “Oh no, deja vu all over again.” Their thoughts would be referring to how the Union removed the tag from the then interim head coach John Hackworth two years ago. Curtin’s reported interim tag removal came after a tie unlike a loss when Hackworth was named full-time manager. Kevin Kinkead points out how similar giving Curtin the head coaching gig was similar to Hackworth’s rise.

The Union have only lost three times since he took over in June: Twice in MLS play to both FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo on the road and the US Open Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders.

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In his short tenure, Curtin has silenced many of his critics who said he had too little experience to succeed. He has admitted to being inexperienced in the coaching role, but that hasn’t kept him and the Union from succeeding at PPL Park and on the road.

No one expected the Philadelphia Union to reach the US Open Cup Final. Yet, they did. Many doubted Curtin’s tactics and coaching skills, however, he has shown that he “gets it” and understands how to put his best XI on the field at their natural position. Yes, there have been a few exceptions to this, but he’s done a much better job at this than Hackworth.

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By keeping Curtin under the helm, it provides consistency moving into the end of the 2014 season and the 2015 season. The players and Curtin are on the same page, so they will not have to adjust to a new and most likely different coaching style.

At the same time, Curtin, technical director Chris Albright and a possible soon to be GM can work together to improve the Union. As Kinkead said in his last tweet above, a good GM will help Curtin learn and work towards gaining experience.

All in all, this reported news is good news for the team, the club, and the fans alike. Curtin’s short track record and results on the field proved that he was the man for the job to the Union front office.