PCA names new Senior AD in Hebron’s first-ever football coach, Brian Brazil
PLANO, Texas — Long-time Hebron High School football coach Brian Brazil will begin as the Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) System of Schools’ senior athletic director effective July 1. In his new role, Brazil will lead the PCA Plano and PCA North athletic departments.
Brazil, the only head football coach the Hebron Hawks have ever known, will be inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor on July 16.
“Hebron will always be a part of me,” Brazil said after announcing his retirement from Hebron where he coached for 22 years as part of the Lewisville ISD. “I’ve been blessed more than I deserve to be here and be a Hebron Hawk. It was a difficult decision, but it was an opportunity to do something different I just couldn’t pass up.”
Joining Prestonwood Christian Academy presents new opportunities said Brazil who has been a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church with his wife and family since 2000.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve as the PCA School System’s senior athletic director,” Brazil said. “I’m ready to pour into the students, athletes and coaches. It’s about reaching athletes for the Lord and creating a positive environment.”
Brazil developed the Hebron football program from its infancy when the school opened in 1999. He helped the school earn a state championship and led 16 teams to the playoffs. As athletic coordinator, he oversaw nine team state titles and numerous individual state crowns.
Brazil takes over for former athletic director Chris Cunningham who accepted the head football coach at Midland Christian earlier this year.
“Brian Brazil is a man of deep faith and passion for Christian impact who is also a great leader, husband, dad and friend to many,” said Dr. Mike Goddard, Prestonwood system of schools superintendent. “His skill set will help continue the upward trajectory of Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano and North athletic programs to become the best in the nation.”
Faith, Family, Football Form Firm Foundation
Brazil and his wife, Birdie, have been married for 32 years. They met at Texas Christian University through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and have three grown children, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.
At TCU, Brazil was an all-Southwest Conference offensive lineman and team captain.
At Hebron, Brazil went 152-97 and won five district titles. He was named state coach of the year in 2005 and won six district coach of the year honors. He also helped countless student-athletes advance to play at the collegiate level, including 49 NCAA Division I players.
Five of his former players have played in the National Football League (including current players Deatrich Wise Jr. of the New England Patriots, Jamal Adams of the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Wise of the Washington Commanders). Former player Ian Cunningham is the assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears.
Brazil’s accomplishments also include winning the 2014 Tom Landry Award, which recognizes a Texas high school football coach who exemplifies the Christian values that defined former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry on and off the field. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Lay Witnesses for Christ Coach of the Year Award.
Prior to Hebron, he was an assistant coach at Lewisville High School (where he was a part of state title teams in 1993 and 1996), R.L. Turner High School and Shepton High School. In the classroom, he taught history.
Brazil is a member of THSCA (serving as President for the 2011-12 school year and on the Board of Directors from 2007-2010), North Texas Football Coaches Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and American Football Coaches Association. He is also on the Board of Directors for Coaches Outreach.
Brazil’s son David, who currently coaches at Hebron, looks forward to carrying on the Brazil legacy on the Friday Night Lights sidelines as a coach.
“It has been an honor being a ball boy for him, playing for him, coaching for him, but most importantly being his son,” said David. “I’m very proud of my dad and the legacy he left at Hebron. He’s the reason I got into coaching.”
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