Ben Olsen Sets Clear Tone for 2026: “We Owe This City Better”

Article by: Francisco Alvarez

Photos: Bianny Gomez

Ben Olsen didn’t hesitate when asked how he feels heading into the 2026 season.

“I’m jazzed,” the Houston Dynamo head coach said with a grin. “There’s better energy in this building.”

After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw Houston miss the postseason, Olsen opened preseason media availability with honesty, urgency, and renewed belief. The message was clear: last year wasn’t acceptable and the response has been deliberate.

A Point to Prove

“We let our fans down. We let our community down,” Olsen said. “We want to rectify that.”

The Dynamo’s offseason overhaul reflects that mindset. Four major signings are already in the door, with more possibly on the way, and Olsen believes the club is close to completing a roster capable of returning to the playoffs and doing more.

“We’ve had a lot of time, unfortunately,” he said. “But Asher, myself, the scouting department, we went to work. When this is all said and done, I think we’ll have a team that can compete and get us back into the postseason.”

Olsen was careful not to oversell the rebuild, acknowledging that integrating new players takes time. Still, optimism is unmistakable.

“If things gel on the field and off the field,” he said, “this could be a fun group.”

Herrera’s Return: “A Winner, Man”

Perhaps the most significant storyline of the preseason is the return of Héctor Herrera. Olsen joked that when he introduced the new signings to the team, he forgot to introduce Herrera “because it was as if he never left.”

Herrera’s return, Olsen said, wasn’t just about sentiment.

“He’s a great soccer player. He loves this club. He loves this community,” Olsen explained. “And he just won two trophies again. That’s what he does, he wins.”

While Herrera’s role will evolve compared to his first stint in Houston, Olsen emphasized transparency and mutual understanding.

“We’ve had very clear conversations,” Olsen said. “He’s coming here to accept any role and help this club get back into the postseason.”

Whether Herrera starts, comes off the bench, or plays a more situational role remains to be determined. Olsen made it clear that competition will decide but also welcomed the challenge.

“I’d rather have hard decisions than easy ones,” he said. “Easy teams are usually the ones that lose.”

Flexibility Up Front, Depth Everywhere

Offensively, Olsen sees more possibilities than he’s had at any point during his tenure.

“Front four, front five, there’s a lot to play with,” he said, referencing a mix of wingers, inverted midfielders, and attacking depth. “If we do this right, we’ll have more flexibility throughout games than we’ve ever had here.”

That flexibility extends beyond attack. With increased depth in midfield and defense, Olsen believes the Dynamo are better equipped to handle injuries, congested schedules, and in-game adjustment areas that hurt the club last season.

“This will probably be one of the most expensive teams I’ve coached,” Olsen admitted. “From a management standpoint, it makes my life harder. From a coaching standpoint? This is what you want.”

World Cup Year, Simple Formula

With the World Cup approaching and Houston poised to be part of the global spotlight, Olsen was asked how the Dynamo can capitalize on increased attention. His answer was blunt.

“We’ve gotta win,” he said. “We’ve gotta entertain. Take care of our home games and send people home happy.”

Houston struggled at home last season, something Olsen views as non-negotiable in 2026.

“You take care of your home games, that’s a pretty good way to get into the playoffs,” he said.

Playoffs Are the Standard

When asked directly whether this season is “playoffs or bust,” Olsen didn’t deflect.

“That’s the goal,” he said. “That was the goal last year, and it didn’t happen. So yeah, that’s the pressure we’re putting on ourselves.”

For Olsen, the postseason is the starting point, not the ceiling.

“You get there, things start to click, culture builds and anything can happen,” he said, recalling the unexpected runs that define MLS.

Recharged and Ready

Personally, Olsen appears refreshed after a long offseason of reflection and roster-building.

“I’ve recharged,” he said. “I’m excited about the work we’ve done, but there’s still so much to do.”

With more signings potentially on the horizon and competition intensifying across the league, Olsen knows the real work begins now.

But for the first time in a while, the Dynamo’s head coach sounds convinced that Houston is moving in the right direction.

“We’re not done,” Olsen said. “But I’m feeling good.”

For a club determined to reset expectations, that confidence may be the most important signing of all.