Coach Mitchell has had an impressive coaching career with a deep connection to El Modena High School. After graduating from El Modena in 1994, he went on to lead the school's football team to new heights, becoming the first coach since Bob Lester to secure a CIF title. His tenure includes two CIF semi-final appearances and a State playoff game, demonstrating his ability to build and maintain a competitive program. Before returning to El Modena in 2013, he served as the Offensive Coordinator at Servite, where he was part of the team that won the Division 2 State Championship in 2009. His coaching experience also spans five years as the Offensive Coordinator at Orange Coast College, showcasing his broad expertise in football. Outside of coaching, Coach Mitchell is active in his family life, enjoying time coaching his daughters in softball and relaxing at the river. His personal life is intertwined with his professional roots as his wife, Stephanie, is also an El Modena alumna, graduating in 2002.

With nearly 30 years of coaching experience, Dennis brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to El Modena High School. Starting his career with the offensive line at Orange High School from 2001 to 2006, he helped lead the team to the playoffs 5 out of 6 years and a CIF Finalist position in 2005. His tenure at Villa Park in 2007 as the defensive line coach further showcased his coaching acumen. At Corona del Mar High School (2008-2017), Dennis excelled in coaching the offensive line, defensive line, and running backs, leading the team to the CIF Finals 4 times and securing three CIF Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with the 2013 team achieving a perfect 16-0 record and a State Championship. His time with Mater Dei High School (2018-2019) was marked by two CIF Finalist appearances and a State and National Championship in 2018 as the offensive line coach. After serving as Athletic Director at Corona del Mar High School in 2020 and 2021, Dennis returned to coaching in 2022 and 2023, where he helped guide the team to the CIF Finals in 2023. As he embarks on his first year with El Modena High School, his ultimate goal is to continue building championship-caliber teams with a focus on player development and strategic excellence.

Coach Leonard is a dedicated and accomplished coach embarking on his first year in coaching. A 2019 graduate of El Modena High School, he played a pivotal role in leading his team to a CIF championship in 2017. He continued his athletic career at Orange Coast College before transferring to Olivet Nazarene University, where he was a three-year starter and contributed to the team’s Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) championship in 2021. Leonard was also named 2nd team All-League in 2024. Professionally, Leonard works as an Electrical Engineer designing Fiber Networks. He is married to Grace Picard-Leonard, his high school sweetheart and a biology student at Cal State Fullerton. Balancing his roles in coaching, engineering, and family life, Leonard exemplifies dedication and passion in all his pursuits.

Defensive Backs Coach

Coach Mitch graduated from Elmo in 2003. He was a captain of the Varsity team and was All-League Defense for two years. He was honored as the 2nd Team All Orange County Defensive player. He went on to play for Orange Coast College. His honors included 2nd Team All Mission Conference Defensive player and Team Linebacker of the Year. Later he went on to play for Northern Arizona University. While playing in Arizona he was awarded the Kieth O'Neil Linebacker of the Year in 2007. Joe Mitch has coached for Dana Hills (2008-2009), Trabuco Hills (2010- 2013), and then returned to El Modena in 2013 where is currently coaching the defense for the Vanguards. El Modena was CIF Champions 2017. Coach Mitch enjoys time with his wife, Kellie, and sons Theodore and Lincoln. They enjoy relaxing at the river.

Coach Joe Mendoza has been coaching football for 9 years and is currently in his 7th season with El Modena. He has served as the JV head coach for 5 years, achieving an outstanding overall record of 34-10-2 and winning 3 league championships. Alongside his JV responsibilities, Coach Mendoza has also coached varsity receivers at El Modena, producing 8 All-League receivers during his tenure. He holds a master's degree in athletics and coaching administration and is a dedicated PE teacher at El Modena. A native of Ventura, California, Coach Mendoza played college football at Ventura College and Willamette University. Outside of football, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling with his wife, Kiersten. Coach

Butch Ward is married to his wife, Cindy, and has three children, Jason, Jermy, and Matt. He is the proud PAPA to Maverick, Baker, Denver, Sutton, Gunner, and one more coming soon. Coard Ward has been coaching high school football for 40 years. He has been on 6 CIF Championship Teams and 2 State Champions Teams. He loves high school football and is having a blast.