He served as the head football coach at Pacific Lutheran University from 1926 to 1941 and again in 1946, compiling a record of 64–33–6.
His 64 wins were the most of any coach in the history of the Pacific Lutheran Lutes football program until he was surpassed by Frosty Westering.
Olson also coached track, golf, and tennis as Pacific Lutheran.
He was the school's athletic director and taught Latin, history, and physical education.
He graduated in 1927 with a bachelor's degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.