A holder of the UEFA Pro-Licence, he returned to Norwich where was appointed as manager of the club's U-18s. Adams guided the side to victory over Chelsea in the 2012–13 FA Youth Cup. On 6 April 2014 he was appointed Norwich City first-team caretaker manager following the departure of Chris Hughton.
On 22 May 2014 he was appointed permanent manager of Norwich City, signing a three-year contract. Adams resigned from his position on 5 January 2015. On 31 July 2015, Adams returned to Norwich City as Loan Player Manager,