Washington, D.C. -- (Sports Network) - D.C. United coach Tom Soehn removed his name from consideration for United's head coaching position Tuesday ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the year.

Soehn was D.C. United's assistant from 2004-06, then led the club to the best record in MLS in 2007 and a U.S. Open Cup crown in 2008 in his three years as head coach.

"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."

In all competitions, Soehn posted a career mark of 55-48-31. D.C. was 36-30-24 in MLS in his three years at the helm. In three seasons as an assistant, D.C. won the 2004 MLS Cup and had the best record in MLS in 2006.

"Tommy has done an outstanding job at D.C. United, first as an assistant and then as our head coach," United President and CEO Kevin Payne said. "Tommy is a fine young coach and I know we will face him in the future in MLS play."