 After the premature ending of his club career, Clifford became involved as a coach and selector at all levels with Glen Rovers but particularly with the senior team.He enjoyed his first success as a mentor when Glen Rovers claimed the 1964 Championship after a defeat of St. Finbarr's, before later beating Mount Sion by six points to win the inaugural Munster Club Championship.After surrendering their titles the following year, Clifford was again part of the management team that saw Glen Rovers claim the championship titles in 1967 and 1969 after respective defeats of St. Finbarr's and University College Cork.