Vincent began his coaching career as an assistant coach of the Saint-Jean Lynx of the QMJHL, and then as the head coach of Laval-Laurentides-Lanaudiere (LLL) Regents of the Quebec AAA Midget Hockey League. Vincent joined the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles as an assistant coach for the 1999–2000 QMJHL season before becoming the head coach in October. Vincent became the team's general manager two years later.
On May 18, 2007, Vincent signed a two-year contract extension with the Screaming Eagles to continue as head coach and general manager. He was the recipient of the 2007 Maurice Filion Trophy for the QMJHL's top general manager, and the 2008 Ron Lapointe Trophy for the QMJHL's top coach. After the 2007–08 QMJHL season, Vincent was praised by many around the league with the Screaming Eagles finishing fourth in their division and winning their first round playoff series despite having more than 10 rookies in their regular lineup and having a 16-year-old starting goaltender. On January 1, 2008, Vincent earned his 300th career win in the QMJHL.
On July 22, 2011, Vincent was named an assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). After five years in that role, the Jets promoted him to head coach of their AHL team, the Manitoba Moose in 2016.[2] After the 2017–18 AHL season, he won the most outstanding coach award.[3] Vincent stepped down from his position with the Moose to join the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff on June 24, 2021.[4]
On September 17, 2023, Vincent was named head coach of the Blue Jackets, following the pre-season resignation of Mike Babcock.[5]