PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha announced on Friday the club had accepted the resignation of Head Coach Jay Mims, ending the successful tenure of Los Buhos’ first manager.

Mims departs after helping establish and solidify Union Omaha as one of the prominent clubs in USL League One, taking the Owls to three consecutive playoff appearances and back-to-back League One Finals in his first two seasons.

A prominent figure in the Omaha soccer community for more than 20 years, 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 record across all competitions, including a win percentage of 62 percent 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 title, 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 reach the Quarterfinals.

During his tenure, Mims also 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 (Damià Viader) 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.”

“I am very grateful of the opportunity Gary Green and Larry Botel gave me four years ago,” said Mims. “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 with along the way, especially all of the players and staff members. I will always remember the historic first season, the XCancer jersey partnership reveal, the amazing championship year, the unprecedented Open Cup run and the numerous league records accomplished.  But most of all, I will remember all of the incredible, loyal and amazing fans and supporters. Thank you all as I look forward to a new challenge.”

Union Omaha has begun its search for the club’s next head coach as its prepares for the 2023 USL League One season.