Stephen Hardy's decision to coach at Plano East was anything but a spur of the moment decision.

In fact, it's a decision that was on the coach's mind not only after graduating Texas Tech, but after wrapping a three-year tenure with the Panthers football team as a player from 1997-99.

"As I graduated from college," Hardy said, "I always told myself that I was going to coach varsity where I played at. I've always had a passion for that, so I just worked my butt off to make it happen."

Several years after floating around the Plano ISD middle and high school ranks, Hardy has re-emerged at his old stomping grounds -- this time under the guise of the Panthers outside linebackers and safeties coach.

"It's really sentimental to me," Hardy said. "It really means a lot that those guys trusted me and gave me this chance. I always told my family that my passion was to coach at East."

That passion is now a reality as Hardy parlays eight years of coaching experience into a spot at his alma mater. Seven of those years have been worked in the Plano ISD, with Hardy spending a year at Robinson Middle School, followed by six years at Jasper High School as a defensive coach for the 10th grade football team. During that time, Hardy would also assist Plano West with its pre- and in-game festivities, from breaking down game film for an upcoming opponent to working alongside former Wolves defensive coordinator David Knaus relaying calls and aiding in halftime adjustments.

From there, Hardy enjoyed a brief coaching excursion at Eustace before returning to Plano.

At East, Hardy aims to use the knowledge and technical savvy acquired as a safety for the Panthers in the late 90s, despite the high school game having evolved since his time.

"Back when I played, most teams were running teams," Hardy said. "We did a lot of man free stuff and you had just one key to worry about. Now, it's a lot more about scheming. You run into these teams that have a lot of great athletes and you've got to be able to cover the entire field.

"It's a whole new ballgame now."

Hardy's exploits won't be limited just to helping the Panthers harness the physical aspects of playing defense, but also getting a leg-up in the mental game.

"I think you've got to have a lot of energy," he said. "But I'm also very big on technique and where you need to be aligned in order to make a play. And when things are going bad, you've got to keep encouraging the kids and let them know that the game is never over until it's done."

Hardy has had the entire summer to help instill his philosophy and get acclimated with his players, seamlessly transitioning into East's summer program.

"We're young, but I think we've got a bunch of great kids who work hard and do as they're told," Hardy said. "They have a lot of energy in them as well."

At his disposal, Hardy noted impressive showings thus far at linebacker from seniors Cameron Bongo, Zack Phillips, Austin Rampy and junior Jackson Garrey. Seniors Dakota Smith and Kylon Higgins will help anchor the Panthers at safety. Hardy will also serve as the team's kickoff coordinator, a familiar throwback to his days on the Panthers' kickoff unit.

And with things finally coming full circle for the East alumni, it's making the most of the personnel that's at the forefront for the latest addition to the Panthers' coaching staff.

"It's about the kids," Hardy said. "I want them to not only enjoy the game of football, but I want to teach them about life in general. There are a lot of kids that won't continue on in football, but they'll always have a coach who will be there for them.

"I want to be that guy."

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