Having worked at both Liverpool and Everton Academies he was appointed as Wigan's youth team coach in November 2011, following the departure of Dave Watson.
[1] In December 2013, Doolan joined the first team coaching staff following the arrival of Uwe Rosler the club made the playoffs and reached the semifinal of the F.A Cup losing to Arsenal on penalties.
In July 2014, he moved to Scottish club Hibernian as first team coach and Assistant Manager to Allan Stubbs.
[2][3] Lifting the Scottish Cup in a 3-2 win against Rangers, the first time the club had achieved this piece of silverware in 114 years.
Following a poor run of form, Stubbs was sacked by Rotherham on 19 October 2016 and Doolan also left the club.