Kendall Miller was hired as the new athletics director for Plano ISD on Wednesday, May 21. Photo courtesy of Plano ISD

By David Wolman

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Plano Independent School District hired Frisco Emerson athletic coordinator and head football coach Kendall Miller on Wednesday, May 21 to be their next athletic director.

Miller takes over for Lonnie Jordan, who was named the athletic director of Richardson ISD on April 17.

Miller has served 26 years as a teacher, coach and athletics coordinator in four districts, including Arlington ISD, Dallas ISD, Garland ISD and most recently, Frisco ISD, according to a press release by Plano ISD. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.

While the majority of his career has been spent as a coordinator and head football coach, he has also led winning teams in softball, baseball, golf and soccer. He is passionate about developing young athletes in their sport while also preparing them for life beyond the game. He follows in his father’s footsteps, who was a Texas high school coach for 34 years before retiring in 1997 .

Miller holds a degree in Mathematics from Tarleton State University.

Miller became the first head football coach in the history of Emerson High School when it first opened its doors in 2021 and he led the Mavericks to instant success. In his first season at Emerson, in 2022, he guided the Mavericks to a 9-2 record and their first-ever playoff berth. The following year, in 2023, Emerson won 12 games and made it all the way to the Class 5A Division II state semifinals. In his final season at Emerson, in 2024, the Mavericks went 7-4 and finished in fourth place in District 4-5A Division II. Overall, Miller went 28-9 at Emerson.

“I’m incredibly honored to step into this new role and could not be more excited to join a premier district with such a strong tradition of excellence,” Miller said in a press release by Plano ISD. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the athletics programs and to support the students, staff and families who make Plano ISD so special. I look forward to working alongside dedicated educators and coaches to help student athletes grow both on and off the field.”

Prior to Emerson, Miller spent nine years as the head football coach and campus athletic coordinator. He began his coaching career at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland ISD. He began his head coaching career at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas ISD in 2009. Miller currently serves on the Board of Directors as Past President of the Texas High School Coaches Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kendall Miller as our new Athletic Director,” said Dr. Theresa Williams, Superintendent of Plano ISD in a press release. “Coach Miller brings a wealth of knowledge, proven leadership and a statewide reputation for excellence. He is highly respected among his peers and we are confident he is the perfect fit to lead our athletic programs with the integrity , passion and vision that define Plano ISD.”