Plano Independent School District (PISD) announced today that former Highland Park ISD athletic director Lonnie Jordan has been appointed athletic director for Plano ISD, replacing Jeff Smith, who announced earlier this year that he was returning to Prosper ISD.
“We are excited to welcome Lonnie Jordan to the Plano ISD family as our new Athletic Director,” said Superintendent of Schools Theresa Williams. “He is known for his commitment to student success and his experience as a coach and mentor makes him an ideal candidate to lead Plano ISD’s athletics programs and support the development of our student athletes.”
Former UIL director of athletics and PlSD athletic director Cliff Odenwald is serving as interim athletic director since Jeff Smith moved to Prosper ISD.
“I believe Coach Jordan is an outstanding choice to serve as the next Director of Athletics for Plano ISD,” Smith said. “He brings a great amount of experience as a coach and athletic administrator and possesses strong people skills and an expectation of excellence that will benefit Plano in big ways. Above all, Coach Jordan is a man of high integrity and character who will always place kids at the heart of every decision that he makes.”
Before becoming AD at Highland Park ISD, Jordan was AD and athletic coordinator at Richardson ISD. Before going into athletic administration, he was head football coach at Lake Highlands High School.
“I am extremely excited to join the Plano ISD family. I look forward to working with coaches, athletes, administration and the community to continue the great work that has been started,” Jordan said. “I genuinely want to support our coaches as we build programs that provide great experiences for all athletes and compete at the highest levels. Plano ISD has a proud athletic tradition and I look forward to embracing that history as we move forward to accomplish new and exciting things.”
