 Makkonen's first SM-liiga coaching job came when he coached Ässät for a short period.Makkonen also was employed by Lukko for some time before he was employed by Tappara as an assistant coach for Jukka Rautakorpi

Makkonen was the assistant coach in Tappara for several years, winning the SM-liiga Championships in 2003 and finishing second in 2001 and 2002.Makkonen was in 2007-09 the head coach of Mestis team Jukurit, which is a top contender in the second highest level of ice hockey in Finland.