DC United announced on Thursday that it has fired Ben Olsen as the team’s manager and that he would assume another role within the organization.
The decision is effective immediately, and Assistant Coach Chad Ashton will take over as interim manager, according to a statement released by the team.
DC United will soon start looking for a permanent head coach, as they are working together with Olsen to determine a new position for him.
“Ben has been a fabric of the D.C. United organization for more than two decades, including his role as head coach for the last ten years, and we are forever grateful for his contributions and leadership,” said Jason Levien, Co-Chairman and CEO of the club.
“Over the course of his 22 years with the club, Ben has been a total professional and has represented this organization with incredible class and distinction. It is our sincere hope and belief that Ben will continue to have a big impact on the organization.”
“My overwhelming emotion right now is that I have been incredibly fortunate to be associated with this great club for 22 years. No one gets that opportunity in professional sports, and I am so much richer for all the amazing experiences and relationships along the way. I will always be grateful,” said Ben Olsen.
“It is now time for a change. It is the right move. The club needs a new face and this is the right time for the club and also for me personally to move in a different direction,” he added.
Olsen, who is now 43 years old, became head coach of DC United in 2010, leading the club to the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, as well as guiding the club to their third Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 2013.
He previously played for DC United for 11 seasons, starting in 1998, winning eight trophies, including two MLS Cups (1999 and 2004).