MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC President Craig Unger announced on Monday the club has appointed experienced soccer leader Jay Mims to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer for the organization. In his new role, Mims will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club including marketing, sales, and team operations.     

“We are excited to welcome Jay back home to Memphis and to 901 FC,” said Unger. “Jay is known as a team builder, and we look forward to having him come in and lead the front office as we look to reinvigorate the club and write the next chapters of 901 FC.” 

A Memphis native, Mims has a proven track record at both the professional and collegiate level. He most recently served as Head Coach of Union Omaha in USL League One. A prominent figure in the Omaha soccer community for more than 20 years, he was hired as Union Omaha’s first manager before the 2020 season and led a newly assembled team to a runner-up finish in its inaugural season.

The following year, Mims and Los Buhos recorded the best regular season record in the league and claimed the USL League One title with victory against Greenville Triumph SC. Mims was named the USL League One Coach of the Year. Off the field, Union Omaha consistently led the league in both overall and average attendance during Mims’ tenure. 

“I am very humbled and honored for this unique opportunity to be able to come back home and help engage a community through professional soccer,” Mims said. “There is a good foundation here and I’m excited to help build an incredible future for Memphis 901 FC on and off the field.” 

After his playing career, Mims began coaching in 2001 as an assistant for Creighton University. The Bluejays were dominant force in the Missouri Valley Conference and made nine NCAA Tournament appearances. He then joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as an assistant coach before being appointed the first Head Coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha as it joined NCAA Division I in 2011. Mims brought the program national success, including a conference championship in 2017, before joining Real Salt Lake in 2018 where he was the assistant coach for Real Monarchs SLC – then competing in the USL Championship – and the club’s academy teams in each age group.  He was also the Director of Scouting for the Real Salt Lake Academy. 

“I've been fortunate throughout my career to have worked with some great soccer leaders,” said Mims. “They have showed me the importance of getting a community to get behind the team and how to put together a quality team of players who will represent that community and club with great pride.”

In addition to his success in the league, Mims brought Union Omaha further into the national spotlight with a historic U.S. Open Cup run in 2022 which saw Los Buhos become the first USL League One team to beat two MLS sides and the first third-division team since 2013 to reach the tournament’s Quarterfinals. He has coached his players to numerous USL League One accolades, including 11 All-League selections, and has developed, transferred, and helped to advance numerous players’ careers.