Philadelphia Union name former St. Louis CITY boss Bradley Carnell as head coach, replacing Jim Curtin

After a months-long search, the Philadelphia Union have found their new head coach in former St. Louis CITY SC boss Bradley Carnell.

The South African replaces 2022 Coach of Year Jim Curtin, who the club decided to part ways following a disappointing 2024 season. Carnell comes to Philadelphia following an inconsistent first turn in MLS in St. Louis.

In his first season with the club, CITY were first in the Western Conference and he was a coach of the Year candidate. Following a playoff collapse to Sporting KC, the club's fortunes turned and St. Louis fired the manager in July after a 3-7-10 start in. Carnell has a 22-15-25 in MLS regular season as a coach.

The Union finished 9-15-10 last year, ending a six-year streak in the postseason. The club reached the MLS Cup in 2022.

Philadelphia hasn’t historically been one of MLS’s biggest spenders, but it boasts the league’s strongest academy, with several players ready to take the next step.

All eyes will likely be on the Sullivan brothers, Quinn and Cavan, and they can be the next pillars for a club that's rebuilding. Cavan Sullivan is still a work in progress, but Quinn could vie for an MLS All-Star spot this season after a breakout 2024 where he had five goals and eight assists.

How Carnell combines the youth movement with an unfinished roster with MLS vets and undervalued players from abroad will determine if he is a success in Philly.

"Bradley has the attributes we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to getting back to our identity as a team," Philadelphia Union sporting sirector Ernst Tanner said in a statement. "With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and aligned with our sporting strategy. His approach emphasizes a high-press style of play while organizing a structured defense. Additionally, he shares the club's vision for developing players. We are confident he will bring a clear sporting philosophy that elevates the team and delivers a competitive season. We look forward to welcoming him to Philadelphia."

“I’m honored to be named head coach of the Philadelphia Union, and I would like to thank the Union ownership group and Ernst Tanner for their trust in me,” Carnell said in a statement. “Philadelphia is an amazing city, built on communities of hardworking and passionate people who truly love their soccer. I am excited for this opportunity to build upon an already solid foundation and aim to help raise the Union organization to the next level that our fans and city can be proud of.”

The Union are building their roster ahead of their season opener against Orlando City SC at the Inter&Co Stadium on Feb. 22.