Memphis 901 FC announces new head soccer coach
Memphis 901 FC confirmed Ben Pirmann will be the coach for the 2021 season.
Sporting director Tim Howard said Thursday that Pirmann "works harder and gives more for this club” than anyone else who had been considered for the role.
“Highly qualified individuals both domestic and foreign were interviewed, but we feel that Ben provides us with the best chance of taking this team closer to our goal which is to make the playoffs and bring a trophy to Memphis,” he added.
Pirmann took over as interim head coach in September after Tim Mulqueen, who had been at the helm since the club was founded, was fired. In the final three matches of the season after Pirmann took over, 901 FC registered two wins and a loss.
He initially joined Memphis 901 FC as an assistant coach in December 2018.
He had served as coach of Detroit City FC of the National Independent Soccer Association for six seasons and as an assistant coach at Michigan State for eight seasons.
Club president Craig Unger said Pirmann was chosen because he knows the club and the expectations fans have of 901 FC.
"Most importantly, he knows what this team needs to do to deliver more wins,” Unger said. “Last year was challenging on many fronts, and despite all of those challenges, Ben stepped up and proved that he is a leader and worthy USL Championship Head Coach.”
Memphis 901 FC opens the 2021 campaign on the road at Birmingham Legion FC on May 15. The club's first home game of the season will be June 16 against Atlanta United 2.