[1] In 2004, he took over as manager of Ajou University where he stayed for 7 years, before leaving to supervise all youth soccer in the city of Suwon.

Cho also won the 2015 K League Challenge Manager of the Year award after gaining promotion.

After leaving Suwon FC, Cho served as chairman of the Korean Football Association.

[1] On December 20, 2018 Cho was announced as the new manager of K League 2 side Busan IPark[1] replacing Choi Yun-kyum for the 2019 season.

Cho Deok-je was already considered a club legend for Busan IPark after playing over 213 games over 8 years when they were known as Daewoo Royals.