The first domino has fallen for DC United during the offseason. This afternoon, the club announced that they have parted ways with head coach René Weiler.

DC United released a very short statement that read:

D.C. United has parted ways with Head Coach René Weiler. 

“We would like to thank René for his commitment and contributions to D.C. United,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C. United Managing Director of Soccer Operations. “We wish him and his family all the best.” 

The 53-year-old Swiss coach arrived in July 2025 with the hopes of turning around a team that was at the very bottom of the league, collecing the Wooden Spoon for finishing 30th out of 30 teams. He stressed making changes to the culture of the club as well as making several roster changes to try and get the club back to the playoffs. He went 8W-18L-17D in his time in DC, and this year’s team was in playoff position until a late season swoon ultimately led to the Black-and-Red finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference and 28th in the Supporters’ Shield standings. DC United only won one of its final eight matches, including losing six in a row to close out the season.

According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, DC United are moving quickly to secure the services of former Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja. Pareja, who also coached at FC Dallas, the Colorado Rapids, and Club Tijuana, won the US Open Cup with Orlando in 2022 and with Dallas in 2016. He was also at or near the top of the Eastern Conference until he was let go earlier this season.

For DC United, the hope is moving to fire Weiler and hire Oscar Pareja will help turn the club around quickly in an effort to end their current playoff drought, which stands tied for a MLS record at seven straight seasons. The fans will continue to look to the owners, Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, as the constants behind the lack of on-the-field success that has seen their home Audi Field host just one MLS Cup playoff match since it opened in 2018.