After he retired, he became the head coach of the OHA's Guelph Royals and then became the head coach of the New York Rangers from 1965 to 1975. He then became the head coach of the St. Louis Blues 1976 to 77 and in 1982. After coaching, Francis became the General Manager of the New York Rangers from 1964 to 1976, the General Manager of the St. Louis Blues from 1976 to 1983 and the General Manager of the Hartford Whalers from 1983 to 1989. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 as a builder.