After retirement, Kato became a manager for Verdy Kawasaki in 1997. But he resigned in July. In 2000, he signed with J2 League club Shonan Bellmare. However the club finished 8th place, he was sacked end of 2000 season. In 2007, he signed with J2 club Kyoto Sanga FC and became a general manager. However he sacked manager Naohiko Minobe and Kato became new manager in October. He led the club to won the 3rd place in 2007 and promoted to J1 League. In July 2010, he was sacked.