Tony Benedetto, Head Coach/Athletic Director

Coach Tony Benedetto is entering his fourteenth year of coaching and serves as the Athletic Coordinator and Head Coach of the Plano East Panthers. He grew up in Crystal Lake, IL, and attended Crystal Lake High School, where he played Football (1^st Team All-Conference) and Basketball and ran Track (State Qualifier 400m Dash). He went on to attend the University of Sioux Falls to play football. He was a two-time NAIA National Champion, two-time Academic All-American and Team Captain. Coach Benedetto majored in Biology and Secondary Education and has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He enjoys watching his favorite Chicago sports teams: Cubs, Bulls and Bears. Coach Benedetto is married to his wife Lindsay. They are the proud parents of London (7), Ruby (6), Ezekiel (5) and Remi (5).  Fun Fact: Coach Benedetto can grow a full unibrow.  

Josef Gaudiesus, Offensive Line / Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

Coach Josef Gaudiesus is entering his fifth year of coaching and serves as the assistant offensive line coach and teaches Biology at McMillen High School. Coach Gaudiesus grew up in Killeen, Texas, and played football at Georgetown High School. He was a three-sport athlete who played Football, Powerlifting and Track & Field. He attended UT-San Antonio, majoring in Kinesiology. In his free time, he likes to enjoy the finer things in life, driving across Texas and learning to BBQ. His favorite sports teams are the New York Giants, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.

Patrick Handy, Running Backs / Special Teams Coordinator 

Coach Patrick Handy is entering his tenth year of coaching (nine years at Plano East) and serves as the special team coordinator/running back coach. He teaches Physical Education and coaches Track. He has taught Special Education for most of his time. Coach Handy graduated from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology Secondary Education in 2017. Coach Handy is married to his wife, Danielle. They are the proud parents of Patrick Handy Jr. (2). 

David Joeckel, Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line

Coach David Joeckel is entering his fourteenth year of coaching. He serves as the offensive coordinator and teaches math at Plano East Senior High. This is his second year as offensive coordinator at Plano East Senior High. Coach Joeckel grew up in Arlington, Texas, and went to Arlington High School. He played college football at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he was team captain and an all-conference selection. His previous coaching stops include DeSoto High School, North Mesquite High School and Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas. Coach Joeckel lives in Lake Highlands with his wife Kelly and their three children Mary, Molly Kate and James. 

Kevin Mikeska, Assistant Head Coach / Quarterbacks Coach

Coach Kevin Mikeska is entering his twelfth year of coaching and serves as the associate head coach and quarterback coach. He teaches business at Plano East Senior High. He grew up in Garland, Texas, and went to Garland High School. Coach Mikeska was a two-sport athlete who played Football (1^st Team All-District, Offensive MVP, 3-Year Starter) and Baseball (1^st Team All-District, 4-Year Starter). He attended Ottawa University, majoring in Rec & Sports Management, where he played football and was 4-time Conference utility player of the year. He went on to play professional football for the Arlanda Jets in Sweden. In his free time, he enjoys sports with his son, hanging out with family and friends and playing video games. His favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Mikeska is married to his wife, Krystal. They are the proud parents of Knox Mikeska (4). 

Daniel Solis, Tight Ends Coach

Coach Daniel Solis is entering his tenth year of coaching and serves as the tight end’s coach. He teaches Physical Education at Armstrong Middle School. Coach Solis grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Nolan Catholic High School, where he played football (2-time state Champ 2004 & 2005). Coach Solis attended Northwestern College to play football as an Offensive Lineman (2-time All-Conference), majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his family, going on vacations, swimming, fishing and barbequing. His favorite sports teams are the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars. Coach Solis is married to his wife, Sara. They are the proud parents of Kamryn (8) and Karsyn (5). Fun Fact: Coach Solis was the first in his family to go to college and first to graduate. 

Jamie Smith, Wide Receivers Coach

Coach Jamie Smith is entering his fifth year of coaching and serves as the wide receivers’ coach. He teaches Special Education (Inclusion) at Williams High School. Coach Smith grew up in Camden, AR, and played football at Camden Fairview High School. He was a three-sport athlete who played Football (5A State Champion, All-State/All-Conference and Rushing Record Leader), Basketball and Track & Field (All-State/All-Conference). He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to play Football. He has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a master’s degree in Kinesiology.  In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, cooking, reading, spending time with family, working out and playing video games. His favorite sports teams are the UCF Knights and Dallas Cowboys. Coach Smith lives with his girlfriend, Lauren, and their dog Future (2). Fun Fact: Coach Smith is fascinated by pilots.  

Dre Cortez, Cornerbacks Coach

Coach Dre Cortez is entering his first year of coaching high school, with four years of experience coaching collegiate football, most recently at McMurry University. He will be serving as the cornerback coach and teaches health at Williams High School. Coach Cortez grew up in Dallas, Texas, and attended H. Grady Spruce High School, where he played football and ran track. He attended Fort Lewis College to play football, majoring in Sports Management. In his free time, he likes to play chess. His favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Fun Fact: Coach Cortez was valedictorian.   

Chase Inman, Inside Linebackers Coach

Coach Chase Inman is entering his eighth year of coaching and serves as the inside linebackers coach. He teaches Special Education at Plano East Senior High. Coach Inman grew up in Dallas, Texas, and attended Lake Highlands High School. He played football, where he was 2x All-District and Team Defensive MVP. He attended Samford University to play football, majoring in Sports Administration/Kinesiology. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, coffee dates, reading, exercising and gardening. His favorite sports teams are any Dallas professional team, Stamford, and University of Texas. Coach Inman is married to his wife, Amanda.  Fun Fact: Coach Inman is one of 36 first cousins on his mom’s side alone. 

Patrick Nelson, Assistant Defensive Line Coach 

Coach Patrick Nelson is entering his first year of coaching and will serve as the assistant defensive line coach. He teaches Special Education at McMillen High School. Coach Nelson grew up in Chicago and attended Hales Franciscan High School. He was a three-sport athlete, playing Football, Basketball and Track. He attended the University of Illinois and Southern Methodist University to play football, majoring in Psychology. He played professional football in the CFL for three years. In his free time, he enjoys bowling. His favorite sports teams are Plano East team. Fun Fact: Coach Nelson considers LeBron James the greatest athlete of all time. 

Andre Williams, Defensive Coordinator, Safeties Coach 

Coach Andre Williams is entering his seventeenth year of coaching and his first year as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator in 2023. He grew up in Kilgore, Texas, and went to Sabine High School. Coach Williams was a three-sport athlete, who played Football (All-State), Basketball (All-State) and Track (Regional Qualifier). He attended Stephen F. Austin to play football, majoring in Business Management. In his free time, he likes attending sporting events and his favorite sports teams are the Denver Broncos, Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers.

Justin Williams, Outside Linebackers Coach

Coach Justin Williams will be entering his fifth year of coaching and will serve as the outside linebacker's coach. He teaches U.S. History at Plano East. Coach Williams grew up in Vicksburg, MS, and attended Bixby High School in Tulsa, OK. He was a two-sport athlete, playing football (all-district & State Champion) and track (State qualifier). He attended the University of Kansas to play football, majoring in Communications – Sports Management. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing recreational sports, fishing, traveling and being outdoors. His favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Fun Fact: Coach Williams lived in New Zealand for a month.

Roy Woods, Asst. Defensive Skill Coach 

Coach Roy Woods is entering his seventh year of coaching at Plano East Senior High and serves as defensive assistant.  He teaches Physical Education – Fitness. Coach Woods grew up in Plano, Texas, and attended Plano East Senior High, where he played football (All-District and All-Area) as a Cornerback. He attended Amberton University, majoring in Business Management. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting and traveling. His favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Woods is married to Taronda. They are the proud parents of Cameron (22). Fun Fact: Coach Woods played on the first Plano East Football team to beat Plano Senior High.