Birmingham Legion President Jay Heaps moves into head coach role

The Birmingham Legion has announced its fourth head coach in the past 12 months.

Jay Heaps, who previously served as the club’s President and General Manager, will take on head coaching duties, the club announced Monday afternoon. Heaps will continue as the CEO while Nick Hall moves into the President role.

The move came just hours after former manager Mark Briggs made the move to FC Dallas to become an assistant at the Major League Soccer level.

“I want to thank Mark for his time and efforts with the club and wish him and his family all the best in this next opportunity. As we continue to strengthen the organization and execute our vision on and off the field, these decisions are about putting Birmingham Legion FC in the best position to be successful. I’m excited to lead the team as Head Coach, and the work has already begun to reset standards, build culture, and prepare for the 2026 season.”

Jay Heaps

Briggs was named head coach on April 30, 2025, taking over after a slow start under Tommy Soehn. The Legion won 5 of 25 league matches under Briggs, eventually finishing last in the USL Championship and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

In the last two seasons, Birmingham saw its lowest average attendance since the club arrived in the Magic City. Heaps said he knows the challenge ahead of him and his team.

“This is an important moment for the club. We’re taking a clear, honest look at where we are and where we want to go. Our focus is on accountability, consistency, and building an environment that brings out the best in our players and staff as we prepare for the 2026 season.”

Jay Heaps

Jay Heaps

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Heaps already has some coaching experience before coming to Birmingham as one of the founding members of the Legion in 2019.

Prior to his arrival in the city, Heaps served as the manager of New England Revolution, an MLS side, for six years. He won 88 games in those six seasons and took the club to the MLS Cup in 2014.

“Jay has been a foundational figure in building Birmingham Legion FC, and his appointment reflects both continuity and ambition for where we are headed as a club. He understands this market, this organization, and what it takes to compete at a high level. We are confident in his leadership as we move into the next chapter.”

James Outland, Legion FC owner

Birmingham Legion FC

Legion FC vs. Nashville SC + more pro sports in Birmingham this month

The big changes come just weeks before Birmingham kicks off its season with a friendly against MLS side Nashville SC. That match is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31 at 1PM.

The Legion return to competition on March 7 when the USL Championship season gets underway from Protective Stadium. Birmingham hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the season opener.

See the club’s full schedule for the 2026 season on its website.

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