In 2006, Ihara became an assistant coach for the Japan U-23 national team and spent two years. In 2009, he became an assistant coach for club Kashiwa Reysol and coached until end of 2014 season. He also managed the club as caretaker in July 2009. In 2015, he signed with J2 League club Avispa Fukuoka and became a manager. In 2015, Avispa won the 3rd place and was promoted to J1 League. However the club was relegated to J2 in a year. He resigned end of 2018 season.