Former D.C. United coach Ben Olsen hired to lead MLS’s Houston Dynamo
Former D.C. United coach Ben Olsen hired to lead MLS’s Houston Dynamo | Photo: Steve Helber
Former D.C. United manager Ben Olsen has signed a multi-year contract as Houston Dynamo coach, his first stint in top-flight soccer for more than 20 years.
Olsen, who coached D.C. United from 2009-17, was immediately announced as the Dynamo’s new head man with a news conference at a presser held in Houston on Wednesday.
“It was an absolutely unbelievable moment to see the energy and passion he has for the Houston Dynamo and to have been involved with the organization and to see his players get behind him as he has taken a step in a very good direction and the success that he will bring for our club.” Dynamo CEO Chris Canetti
“It was an absolutely unbelievable moment to see the energy and passion he has for the Houston Dynamo and to have been involved with the organization and to see his players get behind him as he has taken a step in a very good direction and the success that he will bring for our club,” Dynamo CEO Chris Canetti said, according to Fox 5 Houston. “He is a man that we have spoken with about taking over the entire department of soccer and we’re excited to see what he can achieve for the community of Houston.”
Since 2013, Olsen had made only one other non-MLS coaching change, moving from D.C. to the Philadelphia Union as an assistant coach in December 2015.
“Ben is an icon in D.C. sports. He is a great leader, a great coach and a great man,” said D.C. United president Kevin Payne.
Olsen’s first three years were spent as D.C. United’s head coach, guiding the team to the MLS Cup final in his fourth year. His last year with the District was his second under the D.C. United banner. Under Olsen, the team went 37-24-39, finishing with the worst record in MLS.
Under Olsen, D.C. United reached the playoffs on three separate occasions, including winning the Eastern Conference title in 2013. The team has qualified for the playoffs 14 times in the past 19 years, including eight times in the past two years.