Former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard is set to be named general manager of USL Championship side Memphis 901, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN.
The Athletic was the first to report Howard's appointment, which will be made official after the start of the new year when his MLS contract expires. Memphis just completed its inaugural season in the USL Championship, finishing in 15th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 9-18-7.
The move represents Howard's first foray into a front office position since retiring as a player in October. He was already a minority owner of the club, having acquired his stake back in the fall of 2017.
Howard and Memphis 901 president Craig Unger are also part of an investment group that owns English fifth tier side Dagenham & Redbridge. He has also been contributing to Bleacher Report's broadcasts of the UEFA Champions League.
Howard also has a long history with Memphis manager Tim Mulqueen, who first spotted Howard as a 12-year-old. He later was Howard's goalkeeper coach with the North Jersey Imperials, then of the USISL, and later the New York/New Jersey MetroStars of MLS.
Howard enjoyed a sparkling career for club and country, playing for the likes of Manchester United and Everton before returning to MLS with the Colorado Rapids. All told he made nearly 700 appearances at club level. With United he won the 2003-04 FA Cup, the 2005-06 League Cup and the 2003 Community Shield.
At international level Howard made 121 appearances for the U.S. and was part of three World Cup teams in 2006, 2010 and 2014.