As a player, he played for the clubs Strømsgodset, Kongsvinger, Bristol City F.C., Lofoten, Hønefoss, Stord/Moster and Mjøndalen.

Ahead of the 2006 season, he took over as head coach at Mjøndalen IF, playing in 3. divisjon (fourth tier) at the time.

In 2014 the club won promotion to the Tippeligaen after a 4–1 win on aggregate against Brann in the play-off final.

Vegard Hansen was sacked during the summer 2022, after a string of defeats, leaving his post after 17 years as the club's manager.

[2] Hansen was hired as Kongsvinger manager ahead of the 2023 season, but was sacked in October.