In December of 2023, Memphis 901 FC announced the hire of Jay Mims as the new COO. It was a hire greeted with much enthusiasm by fans and media alike. However, a source with the team confirmed to Bluff City Media that Mims is no longer part of the organization.
According to the source, some time in July, Mims told the 901 FC front office that it was going to be his last day in the office. The source indicated that the primary reason for his decision was a desire to have more to do with the actual soccer. While he was certainly doing well on the business side of the organization, Mims wanted to be more involved in the scouting and signing of players. Prior to his appointment with 901 FC, Mims had been a head coach with Union Omaha in USL League One where he guided the Owls to a title in 2021 and the US Open Cup quarterfinals in 2022 (when current 901 FC forward Noe Meza was the team’s leading scorer.)
While they were certainly surprised and taken aback by this decision, the source stressed that there was no ill-will between the team and Mims and said they wish him all the best going forward. The source also expressed confidence that, because of the number of soccer-specific staff hired by Mims and approved by ownership, the operation will continue much as it has throughout the year. That includes plans for community involvement, partnerships, marketing, and ticket sales.
What happens with the COO position remains to be seen. The source said that no decision has been made yet whether to hire somebody else to replace Mims or to just eliminate the position altogether.
Jay Mims declined to speak on the record for this piece.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park on Wednesday, September 11 for Hometown Heroes Night when they take on Hartford Athletic at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now.