December 16, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha today announced the resignation of Head Coach Jay Mims. Mims closes out his successful tenure after helping establish and solidify Union Omaha as one of the prominent powers in USL League One, taking the Owls to three straight playoff appearances and back-to-back League One Finals in his first two seasons.
A prominent figure in the local Omaha soccer community for more than 20 years, Jay Mims was announced as the first head coach in Union Omaha history on May 7, 2019. In his three years with the club, Mims amassed a 38-17-27 (W-L-D) record across all competitions, including a 62 percent win percentage in league play. In the Owls’ inaugural season, Mims led a newly-assembled squad to immediate success, finishing as the USL League One Runner-Up. The following year in 2021, he earned USL League One Coach of the Year honors after a dominant season in which Omaha claimed its first regular season title and League One Championship, defeating Greenville Triumph SC 3-0 in the final.
Mims brought the Owls further into the national spotlight with a historic U.S. Open Cup run in 2022, which saw Union Omaha become the first USL League One team to beat two MLS sides and the first third-division team since 2013 to make the quarterfinals. He has coached his players to numerous League One accolades, including 11 All-League selections, back-to-back Golden Glove awards and one Assists Champion, as well as the 2021 Defender of the Year (DamiàViader) and 2022 Goalkeeper of the Year (Rashid Nuhu). In addition, Mims has been an expert in player development, sending multiple players on to USL Championship teams.
“It has been a privilege to work with Jay for these past two years,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He’s a phenomenal ambassador for Omaha and a great soccer coach. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing where his career takes him.
“Jay and I committed ourselves from day one to growing professional soccer and the Union Omaha brand in the metro, and that’s exactly what we did,” Union Omaha Owner Gary Green said.
“I am very grateful of the opportunity Gary Green and Larry Botel gave me four years ago,” Mims said. “I was hired here with no brand, no crest, no name and no team. I am proud to say I have helped build something special here from the ground up with Union Omaha. I am thankful for all of the great people I have worked…