Craft went from the minor league Blues to the Major League Athletics in 1955, their first year in Kansas City after transferring from Philadelphia, when he was named a coach on the staff of Lou Boudreau. After over 2½ losing seasons, Boudreau was released on August 6, 1957, and Craft was named his successor. Craft's Athletics went 23–27 to finish the season. He then lasted two more full campaigns, and , before his firing. Craft finished with a 162–196 record at Kansas City. His best finish was seventh place in the eight-team American League.