This article was updated at 12:20pm to reflect new information shared in a Birmingham Legion press release.
Mark Briggs is out as Birmingham Legion head coach less than a full year into the job.
The Three Sparks confirmed this morning on social media and via press release that their head coach, who joined April 30, 2025, would be departing before the 2026 season gets underway. The Englishman is expected to take a job as an assistant coach with FC Dallas, in Major League Soccer.
“I want to thank the Birmingham Legion FC organization, the players, and the supporters for the opportunity,” Briggs said in the press release. “Birmingham is a passionate soccer city, and I’m grateful for the experience and the relationships built during my time here. I wish the club continued success moving forward as I take the next step in my coaching career.”
At 43, Briggs is still a relatively young coach with ambitions of making it far in the game. As such, it’s hard to begrudge him to opportunity to chase that dream with what is a step up to a more prestigious league with wider international recognition.
However, there is no denying the timing could hardly be worse.
Birmingham Legion players report back for duty this week and play their season opener in less than two months. If a coaching change was going to be made, doing so back in November would have been ideal. Instead, roster decisions were made with Briggs’ system and style in mind, and that might prove a complication for the next man up much as it was something holding the Englishman back this past season.
While Briggs’ stint in the Magic City was far from a success — he leaves with a 6-11-11 record, a paltry 21.43% win rate, and as many yellow cards as wins — keeping him in charge would have at least allowed the team some continuity, and a proven manager the chance to truly implement his ideas now that he could bring in his guys.
Instead, for the second season in a row, Legion find themselves in a rebuilding year.
Jay Heaps takes charge
The press release also confirmed that Jay Heaps, the club’s Chief Soccer Officer and CEO, will take over as head coach for the 2026 season. He will retain his role as CEO as well.
“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,” Heaps said. “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.”
Heaps is an experienced name. A former USMNT international who coached over 200 games for MLS’ New England Revolution from 2011 to 2017, he was interim in all but name between Tom Soehn and Briggs’ tenures.
With plenty of signings still needing to be made — the club currently has just 12 players on the roster — it is now crucial the Three Sparks start making moves in the market. While the departure of their head coach is undoubtedly a setback, there is still time to right the ship and give the league a real go in 2026 should they recruit wisely.
“This is an important moment for the club,” Heaps said. “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.”
Birmingham Legion begin the USL Championship season at home March 7 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Their first preseason outing is just three weeks away, hosting MLS side Nashville City on January 31st, at 1 p.m.
Follow Timothy Belin on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook or Bluesky to stay up to date on all things Legion this preseason.
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