Dalian Shide F.C.
Despite being out of management for two seasons Xu Hong's ties were strong enough for him to be given the assistant post at Dalian Shide F.C. in 2008 to Milorad Kosanović. However Milorad Kosanović left as Head Coach after a very disappointing season which saw them fight against relegation. Xu Hong was brought in as a temporary Head Coach, yet impressed many at the end of the season with his coaching skills and was offered a permanent position. His resignation was accepted after a 1-2 home loss against Tianjin Teda on May 15, 2010.