His coaching experience began as a Player – Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Brickmen (WSA/CSL) from 1985 to 1987. In 1990, he spent one season as head coach of the Brickmen. In 1996, the Chicago Power of the National Professional Soccer League came under new ownership which moved the team to Edmonton. The team was renamed the Edmonton Drillers and hired Ongaro as head coach. He was the 1997 and 1999 NPSL Coach of the Year. In 2004, he coached the Edmonton F.C. of the USL A-League.