O'Donnell returned to management in 2013 when he took over Roscommon minor team once more. He led them back to back Connacht final appearances but lost on both occasions to Mayo. The highlight of his term was beating hot favourites Kildare to reach an All-Ireland semi-final[2] O'Donnell stepped down from his post after a narrow All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Ulster champions Donegal the following year [3]
In October 2015, it was confirmed that O'Donnell would become joint manager of Roscommon senior team alongside his former Roscommon Gaels teammate Kevin McStay.[4] He announced he was standing aside in September 2016, leaving McStay in sole charge of the team.[5]