 As head coach of the UAH Hockey team, in the 2009–2010 season, Cole brought UAH to its second ever appearance into the NCAA Tournament by winning the CHA conference tournament in over time 3–2.Following the 2009–10 season, Cole resigned as UAH's head coach to accept a coaching position with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.He was appointed head coach at his alma mater, Michigan State on April 11, 2017.