On 8 October 2012, O'Rourke was named Louth manager for a two-year term, after previous involvement with Kildare and Down as a selector.[2] O'Rourke left the role in mid-2014.[3]
In January 2015, he was appointed manager of the Armagh minor Gaelic football team.[citation needed]
After Kevin McStay stood aside as Roscommon senior manager in 2018, O'Rourke was the preferred replacement; however, he withdrew and Anthony Cunningham was appointed instead.[4]