Lukkien became head coach and managed Jong FC Groningen from 2010 to 2013.

Groningen won the KNVB Cup in 2015 and finished runner-up in the Johan Cruyff Shield the same year.

On 14 March 2016 it was announced that Lukkien would be the manager of FC Emmen for the next two seasons.

On 15 April 2022, Lukkien and Emmen promoted back to the Eredivisie after just one year absence.

[5] In March 2023, it was announced that Lukkien would return to FC Groningen, as head coach for the 2023–24 season.