 Collins took on the role of assistant first and reserve-team coach at Hartlepool United in May 2014 when signing a new contract with the club, while remaining part of the playing squad.After Colin Cooper resigned as manager of Hartlepool, Collins was appointed caretaker manager alongside Stephen Pears on 5 October 2014.He took charge of four matches, overseeing one win and three losses, before Paul Murray was appointed as manager.