In January 2015, prior to the 2015 World Cup, Franks was made an assistant coach of the UAE national team, with a concentration on fielding. In July 2016, following the resignation of Aaqib Javed, he was appointed acting head coach, a position which he held until being succeeded by Owais Shah in November 2016. He was the second Englishman to coach the UAE, after Colin Wells (who was head coach from 2009 to 2010).