Burtenshaw joined Arsenal as a coach in 1971, succeeding Don Howe after his departure to WBA. Burtenshaw stayed for two years before resigning, despite the club reaching an FA Cup final and coming second in the First Division.

Soon after, Burtenshaw moved to Sheffield Wednesday and spent two years there. He later became a coach at Everton, managing the side in a caretaker capacity for three games, before moving to manage Queens Park Rangers from 1978 to 1979.

Burtenshaw later returned to Arsenal as a coach and scout, and was caretaker manager of the club between March and May 1986, after the resignation of Don Howe as manager; Arsenal finished 7th that season. He reverted back to his coaching role after the club appointed George Graham that summer. His time at the club was overshadowed when he admitted taking "bungs" for signing John Jensen, in the scandal that led to George Graham's sacking as Arsenal manager. He was fined £10,000 by the Football Association.

After leaving Arsenal along with Bruce Rioch in 1996, Burtenshaw became chief scout under Rioch at QPR; despite suffering a minor stroke in 2001 he later joined Kevin Keegan as scout at Manchester City, before retiring.