Van Basten entered the coaching ranks in 2003 as an assistant with Ajax's reserve squad, but was thrust into the role of national team coach the following summer. His tenure started well, as the Oranje went undefeated while qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, but the team suffered a disappointing second-round elimination in the big tournament.
The Ajax legend was named manager of his old club in 2008, and he ended his run as national coach after the Dutch lost to Russia in the quarterfinals of that summer's European Championship. Despite his four-year deal with Ajax, he resigned in May 2009 after the club failed to qualify for the European Cup.
After serving as a commentator for Dutch television channel Sport 1, Van Basten returned to the sidelines as manager of SC Heerenveen in February 2012.