Coaching
On 5 January 2010 United announced that Olsen would continue to work for United as an assistant coach under head coach Curt Onalfo. On 5 August, following a league-worst 3-12-3 start to the season, head coach Curt Onlafo was fired. Subsequently, Olsen was named interim head coach and completed the season with a 3-8-1 record. Although United officials interviewed at least seven candidates, including Hertha Berlin manager Lucien Favre, the club inevitably appointed Olsen to the head coaching position. United made a public announcement on 29 November 2010 and held a press conference in the same room Olsen had announced his retirement one year and one month earlier. Olsen signed a three-year guaranteed contract that made him United's seventh head coach in club history and youngest full-time head coach in the league's 15 year history. This occurred despite the fact that United President and CEO Kevin Payne had continuously ruled him out during the months leading up to the decision.
I don't think he's ready. … It's been a great learning experience for Ben and I am sure he will learn a great deal over the next couple of years. I fully expect Ben will be our head coach someday. —Kevin Payne, The Washington PostIn a promotion for the upcoming 2011 season, United gave away free half-smokes in conjunction with Ben's Chili Bowl, which was renamed "Ben Olsen's Chili Bowl" for one hour on 17 March 2011 .
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