GHS Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Danny Russell
Coach Russell is excited to be beginning his eighth year as head coach and 26th total at GHS. He returned after being the head coach at Wichita Falls for three years where he led them to deep playoff runs in back-to-back years. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at GHS from 2001--2012. A lifelong Owl he is a 1984 graduate of GHS. While there he was selected to the All-Metroplex and All-District teams in both football and baseball. He attended Panola College and the University of North Texas on baseball scholarships and captured All-Conference honors at both stops. He was the secondary coach for the 1999 state championship team and also helped coach the North all-stars to victory in the 2001 THSCA All-Star game. Coach Russell received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas in 1989 and his Master’s Degree from Lamar University in 2009. He and his lovely wife Phyllis have three beautiful children Chris, Alicia, and Cody, and three beautiful grandchildren-Macy, Dillon and Olivia
Coordinators
Alex Wilkett Offensive Coordinator Coach Wilkett enters his 13th year of coaching and his second as the Garland Owls’ offensive coordinator, bringing passion, precision, and high-powered play design to the field. A proud 2009 graduate of Garland High School, he is thrilled to be back home, leading the same program where his love for the game began. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2013, Coach Wilkett sharpened his coaching skills in GISD at Sellers Middle School for three years, then spent three seasons in Wichita Falls before making his mark at Newman Smith as Wide Receivers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for five years. Now, his deep knowledge and relentless drive are fueling an explosive Owls offense. Off the field, Coach Wilkett enjoys life’s biggest win—his family—sharing it with his wife, Ashley, and their baby boy, Charlie, born in April 2023. |
Kelvin Perry defensive coordinator This year marks Coach Perry’s 22nd season on the sidelines and his third leading the Garland Owls’ defense as coordinator. A proud product of GISD, Coach Perry brought his talents from the defensive backfield at Mississippi Valley State University back home to inspire the next generation of Owls. Known for his fiery passion and relentless commitment to excellence, he has helped shape a tough, disciplined defense that plays with heart every snap. Off the field, he shares life’s journey with his beautiful wife, Donya, and together they are blessed with two wonderful children. Coach Perry’s leadership, energy, and love for the game continue to fuel Garland’s tradition of grit and greatness. |
Varsity
James Maxwell H Backs Coach Maxwell grew up in Garland and was a 2003 graduate of Garland High School. He attended McPherson College in McPherson, KS on a football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Kinesiology in 2007. After graduation from McPherson, he coached running backs during the 2007 football season. Coach Maxwell is entering his tenth year at Garland and his eighteenth year overall. Prior to Garland, Coach Maxwell coached for five years in Wylie ISD at both Wylie High and Wylie East and three years at Wichita Falls High School. Coach Maxwell is married to Stephanie and they have two children (Peyton (22) and Hallie (19). |
Kyevon Rider Wide Receivers Coach Rider, a proud native of Tyler, TX, is a multi-sport athlete who lettered in football, basketball, and track at Whitehouse High School before taking his talents to Texas A&M University–Commerce, where he played four years of college football. Now in his third year at Garland High School and second season as the varsity receivers coach, he brings competitive fire, technical expertise, and a passion for developing elite playmakers. Coach Rider is committed to pushing the Owls’ receiving corps to new heights while building confidence, discipline, and character in every athlete he coaches. His energy, dedication, and belief in his players make him a driving force in the continued growth of the Garland program. |
Victor Picon Offensive Line This is Coach Picon’s eleventh year at GHS. He is a graduate of McMurry University (class of 2001) where he played offensive guard and received 1st Team All-Conference honors. Coach Picon coached at Galena Park Middle School for 9 years and at Bryan HS for 4 years. He is married to Maria D. Rojas (Garland HS class of 97) and has 6 children: Camila (3),Carolina (9) Rebecca (10), Rosalie (17)GHS Senior, Victor (20)GHS Graduate, and Victoria (25) also a GHS graduate. |
Bobby Chalk Running Backs Coach Bobby Chalk is Garland through and through—a proud 2004 graduate of Garland High School who is now pouring his passion back into the program he once represented. After starting his collegiate career at Iowa State University, he went on to play at Abilene Christian University, earning his degree in Kinesiology while sharpening his knowledge of the game. Now in his second year as the Owls’ varsity running backs coach, Coach Chalk brings energy, toughness, and a commitment to developing dynamic playmakers in the backfield. Off the field, he is a devoted family man, sharing life with his wife, Tarqualia, and their six amazing children—Amara, Amarion, Addisyn, Kamarii, Bobby III, and Kye. |
Scott Cooper Linebackers Coach Cooper is beginning his 22nd season with Garland High School. Scott graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2004, where he majored in History and minored in Government. He also received his master's degree in educational administration from Lamar University in 2011. He is a 2000 graduate of Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. He and his wife Stefanie have three sons, Dane (16), Brock (14) & Kade (10) |
Keelan Jackson Defensive Backs After 12 years of coaching in Garland ISD, Coach Jackson has returned to his alma mater for his third year carrying on the tradition of Garland High School and the Legacy of Garland Owl Football. While under the tutelage of then-position Coach Danny Russell, he earned All-District, All-State, and All-Star honors at Cornerback. That same year, Garland High School won the State Championship with Coach Jackson as their Co-Defensive MVP, ultimately earning him a full scholarship to Texas A&M University in College Station. Now returning to the place where it all started, he considers himself blessed to be able to give back to the program that has facilitated his winning ways and attitude. Gig ‘Em Owls, We Will Win!! |
Anthony Woodson Defensive Line Coach Woodson enters his third year leading the Garland Owls’ varsity defensive line, his fifth year at GHS, and his 10th year in coaching—bringing grit, technique, and a relentless standard of excellence to the trenches. Before joining the Owl family, he spent five seasons at DeSoto, sharpening his craft. A former standout defensive tackle at Missouri State University, Coach Woodson earned his degree in Sociology while learning the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Now, he channels that same drive into building a dominant D-line that controls the game in the trenches and sets the tone for the entire defense. |
Jeff Caddell Defensive Backs Coach Caddell is entering his fourth year on the sidelines at Garland High School, bringing passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the Owls. Now in his third season as the varsity corners coach and second as assistant special teams coordinator, he takes pride in molding lockdown defenders and sharp, disciplined specialists. A fierce competitor and dedicated mentor, Coach Caddell is fired up to return to “The G,” continuing his mission to help student-athletes grow into the best versions of themselves—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. His energy, attention to detail, and belief in his players make him a vital part of Garland’s winning culture. |
Freshman
Danny Davis Freshman HeadCoach/DC Quarterbacks RunningBacks Linebackers Danny Davis begins his 22nd year coaching and his 16th at GHS. In addition to his duties as the Head Freshman football coach, he is the Varsity 1st assistant in baseball. His previous coaching stops include Kopperl High School, Bussey Middle School, and Community High School. He is a graduate of Richardson High School and Texas A&M University with a degree in Physics. He and his wife Cortney are raising a son, Rhyne, and a daughter, Fiona. |
Cameron Cromer Offensive Coordinator Wide RECEIVERS DEFENSIVE BACKS Coach Cromer comes from Sachse where he graduated from Sachse High School. There he lettered in both football and baseball. After High School, he went on to Abilene Christian University where he played baseball for 2 years before transferring to Southeastern Oklahoma State University finishing his baseball career and earning his bachelor’s degree. Coach Cromer is coming up on his second year coaching at GHS and is very excited to get back into football and help kids grow on and off the field. |
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Brandon Cooke Defensive Backs Tight Ends Coach Cooke is entering his second year coaching at Garland High School, returning to the basketball court while also taking on a new role as a freshman football coach. With a passion for developing young athletes, he focuses on building strong fundamentals, teamwork, and a winning mindset. Coach Cooke is committed to helping his players grow both on and off the field, instilling discipline, confidence, and a love for the game. |
Justin Herman Defensive Line Offensive Line Coach Herman brings six years of coaching experience to the GHS freshman staff. He coached football, basketball and track at Austin Academy, and before that coached track and basketball at ILT. Coach Herman is excited to return to the G for his second year as the freshman offensive and defensive line coach. |
Trainers
Bill Brooks Trainer Coach Brooks is entering his 17th year in GISD. This is his seventh year at GHS after having worked 10 years at Naaman Forest. He is a veteran athletic trainer and has worked with two NFL teams during his career, the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals. Coach Brooks attended Garland High School. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a master's from Georgia State University. He is married to Donise and they have a son, Hamilton, who played on the 2006 Semi-final team |
David Baker Trainer Coach Baker is beginning his 47th year in GISD. Coach Baker is a graduate of Austin College with grad work including SMU, DBU, USOC, NASM, and TAMU-Commerce. He received a Master of Education from TAMU/C and has 50 years of experience in athletic training, including work @ SMU, GHS, Lakeview Centennial, Rowlett HS, and North Garland HS. Mike is married to Becky Cowan-Baker, they have two children Christopher and Jennifer, and a granddaughter Sofee Jo. |