There will be a fresh face on the sidelines at AutoZone Park next soccer season. On Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC announced that it had agreed to terms with former Atlanta United manager Stephen Glass to become the team’s new head coach.
“It’s a true testament to our club’s reputation, our passionate and growing fanbase, and our dedicated front office that we were able to attract the depth of world-class coaches who are excited for the future of Memphis 901 FC,” said 901 FC principal owner Peter Freund. “From the very start of our search process, Stephen was always our targeted first choice and I am thrilled to welcome him to the 901 FC family.”
Glass originally joined MLS side Atlanta United in 2018 as the academy coach, before being promoted to head coach of the USL’s Atlanta United 2 in 2019. He then presided over Atlanta United’s First Team as interim head coach during the summer of 2020, before returning to coach the USL side. Most recently, he coached Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premier League.
As a player, Glass played for Scotland at the international level. At club level, he played at Aberdeen FC for five seasons before moving to Newcastle United in the English Premier League. He also had stints at Watford, Hibernian, and the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks.
“We, as a club, couldn’t be more excited for what Stephen will bring to 901 FC. His knowledge of the American soccer landscape as well as his international managerial experience will allow us to continue to build on our recent success,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “It has been satisfying to not only land our top target but to know how eager Stephen is to get to work.”
The announcement follows the departure of USL 2022 Coach of the Year, Ben Pirmann, who had been in charge of the team since 2020, and just last season led 901 FC to its best ever run, which ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The club last week announced that Pirmann had accepted an offer to become head coach of USL rival Charleston Battery.
Losing Pirmann is a big blow for 901 FC, but the organization hopes to build on a stellar 2022 season by retaining multiple key players. Glass has previously coached several of them, including last season’s top goalscorer, Phillip Goodrum, and midfielder Laurent Kissiedou.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to Memphis and look forward to building on the success that was enjoyed last year,” Glass said. “There is a great group of players returning who I am sure are hungry to give the fans many more nights like those enjoyed last season. I look forward to seeing everyone at AutoZone Park in 2023.”