After his playing days came to an end Burtenshaw became a coach at Brighton. Amongst the players he took under his wing was Howard Wilkinson, the future First Division winning manager of Leeds United.[8]
Burtenshaw joined Arsenal as a coach in 1971, succeeding Don Howe after his departure to West Bromwich Albion. Burtenshaw stayed for two years before resigning, despite the club reaching an FA Cup final and coming second in the First Division.
Soon after, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday and spent two years there as manager.[9] He later became a coach at Everton, managing the side in a caretaker capacity for three games in January 1977 after the club sacked Billy Bingham.[3] He also went on to be at the helm of club Queens Park Rangers from 1978 to 1979.[10]
Burtenshaw later returned to Arsenal as a coach and scout, and was caretaker manager of the club between March and May 1986, after the resignation of Don Howe as manager; Arsenal finished seventh in the First Division that season. He returned to his coaching role after the club appointed George Graham that summer. Burtenshaw's time at the club was overshadowed when he admitted taking "bungs" for signing John Jensen, in the scandal that led to Graham's sacking as Arsenal manager. He was fined £7,500 with £2,500 costs by the Football Association.[11][12]