DC United have commenced their search for a new head coach and according to club president Kevin Payne, it could take a while.

The club has been using ex-player Ben Olsen as a caretaker coach since they sacked Curt Onalfo in August but are looking for a more permanent appointment for when the 2011 season swings around.

"We had a couple of really preliminary conversations. We have not interviewed anybody. A lot of people are contacting us," Payne said.

"There are a few of them we talked to just to kind of say, 'Here is the process, here is what we are going to do,' just so they understand."

DC have endured a horror season so far, breaking the MLS record for being blanked (failing to score and losing), which has now occurred 15 times with seven matches remaining.