Following his retirement from playing, Archibald became Partick Thistle manager in 2013 and went on to win the Scottish Football League First Division title that year.

In his first season at Tannadice – 2003–04 – Archibald was the only player to feature in every match for United, and his assured performances earned him a contract extension.

[4] He also added a further four goals to his United tally, including the opener in the 4–1 Scottish Cup win over Aberdeen at Tannadice.

[5] However, following the signing of fullback Christian Kalvenes early into the 2006–07 season, Archibald was moved to his preferred position in the centre of defence.

On 24 January 2007, Archibald was informed by Dundee United manager Craig Levein that his contract, due to expire in June 2007, would not be renewed.

[8] On 30 January 2013, he was appointed interim manager with former player Scott Paterson as assistant following the departure of Jackie McNamara to Dundee United.

After a poor start to the 2015–16 season, the team had a run of success, winning seven from nine points, in which Archibald picked up the Premiership Manager of the Month award for November.

[15] Since Jackie McNamara's departure from Dundee United in September 2015, Archibald has been the longest serving current manager at any Premiership club.

[16] On 7 May 2016, Thistle secured their Premiership status with a 2–0 away victory to Kilmarnock, with goals coming from Steven Lawless and Kris Doolan.

[17] This result meant that Archibald overtook former manager Davie McParland as the record holder of top-flight victories.