Legendary Texas high school football coach Brian Brazil died last week at 58, a year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Brazil created the Hebron High School football program in 1999 and led the team until his retirement in 2022. He led the Hawks to 152 wins, 16 playoff appearances, five consecutive district championships, and the 2005 4A Division II state title.
“He is the program,” Hebron High School head football coach John Towels III told The Dallas Express. “He was there in 1999. [He] Opened the school, started the program, and won the state championship in 2005. The foundation and basis is his vision… It’s a big deal because he was able to mold a lot of young men and coaches.”
“A lot of coaches on his staff went on to be head coaches,” Towels continued. “He was a great man, a leader of men, and he was a great man of faith. He did an awesome job getting Hebron to where it is today.”
Brazil, who died on July 5, had served as the senior athletic director at Prestonwood Christian Academy since retiring from Hebron last May. The Lions won three state championships during his time with the school.
“Brian Brazil was one of the most authentic men I’ve ever called friend,” a statement from Prestonwood Superintendent Dr. Michael Goddard read. “I’ve known Coach Brazil for over 25 years and seen him in action as a coach on and off the field. He was the same in every situation- a man who pursued Christ and wanted others to know the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. His hall of fame legacy as a football coach and athletic director pale in comparison to the number of lives he changed because of his courage to share Christ with others.”
The 58-year-old also left his mark on several other programs in the DFW area as an assistant coach for Shepton, Carrollton Turner, and Lewisville high schools. He was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2022.
During his time at Lewisville, the Farmers won two state championships, and Hebron High School renamed its football stadium in his honor in April.
Brazil was from Pasadena, Texas, and became an All-Southwest Conference offensive lineman at TCU before entering the coaching ranks.
“Our condolences to Brian Brazil’s family, TCU teammates, and friends,” the Horned Frogs’ football program tweeted. “As a cherished member of the TCU Football Family, his legacy as a player and coach in Texas football will be forever cherished. Rest in Peace, #73.”
His family will hold a visitation at Allen Family Funeral Options from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and his funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
