D.C. United released a statement today saying that coach Tom Soehn will not return to the club. His contract expires at the end of the year and club officials were in the process of considering a contract extension. Soehn withdrew his own name from consideration. United's search for his replacement begins immediately.

Soehn coached the team for three seasons and posted a 55-48-31 record in all competitions. United was 36-30-24 in MLS play in his three seasons at the helm, reaching the playoffs in just his first season when United won the Supporters' Shield. 

United won the U.S. Open Cup in Soehn's second season as head coach, but narrowly missed out on the playoffs in 2008 and 2009.

Soehn joined United as an assistant under Peter Nowak in 2004, when United went on to win its most recent MLS Cup.

Here's Soehn's statement from the release:

"My family and I have spent a lot of time in reaching this very difficult decision," Soehn said. "I've been fortunate to spend the last six seasons with this organization.  I'd like to thank the staff and fans for their support throughout my tenure.  In particular, I'd like to thank Kevin Payne, Dave Kasper, Chad Ashton, Mark Simpson, Francisco Tobar, Brian Goodstein, David Brauzer and the entire technical staff.  When you're in this business, the experiences you face together forge special bonds and friendships that will always remain. My appreciation also extends to the players. We accomplished a lot together since I arrived in 2004 and I thank them for their dedication and wish them the best in the seasons ahead."

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