In 1948, Burnett left Little Rock High for his alma mater Arkansas Tech, where he served as head coach for six seasons. He compiled a 30–24–3 overall record, including leading Tech to back-to-back AIC titles in 1948 and 1949. However, after some less successful seasons Burnett left Arkansas Tech to coach at North Little Rock High School from 1954 to 1956. He was inducted to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.