Franco was promoted to Athletico's first team in 2020, as an assistant coach.[1] On 4 March 2022, he was announced as head coach of Atlético Mineiro's under-20 team,[2] but left in June to join António Oliveira's staff at Cuiabá, as his assistant; he was also an interim head coach in a 1–0 Série A home win over Corinthians on 7 June, as Oliveira was not registered in time.[3]
In the following years, Franco followed Oliveira to Coritiba,[4] back to Cuiabá[5] and Corinthians,[6] always as his assistant. On 28 August 2024, he returned to the Dourado after being named head coach of the side.[7]