Former Hebron football coach, TCU player Brian Brazil ‘never quit,’ saw best in everyone

Brian Brazil, a former TCU player who started the football program at Hebron High School and led the Hawks to their only state championship, died Wednesday.

Brazil, 58, spent this past school year as the senior athletic director for Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy.

Brazil had cancer. His son, David, said he “never quit” in his final days.

“That was his mentality,” he said.

Regardless if he was coaching, playing ping pong, or even a game of spades, Brazil gave it his all and saw everything through, said David, a football coach at Weatherford.

“Never stop short,” David said, reflecting on his father’s mentality. “You finish. You go until the clock says zero. If you need overtime, then you go a little more. That was something he instilled in everyone.”

Brazil retired at Hebron in 2022, ending a run that began in 1999, when he founded the program. Brazil went 152-97 and led the Hawks to the Class 4A Division 2 state title in 2005, a 28-0 victory over Corpus Christi Calallen.

“My Dad loved winning more than anyone else,” David said. “The biggest competitor I’ve ever known. At the end of the day, My dad cared more about what that person was doing in 10 years.”

David said his father believed and “saw the best” in everyone.

“Coaching them to be great young men,” David Brazil said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s what he was all about.”

According to the Hebron Hawkeye, a Hebron High School blog, Hebron High School’s football stadium, Hawk Stadium, is set to be renamed Brian Brazil Stadium. Brazil will be honored in the opening game of the upcoming season, the first with the stadium’s new name.

Hebron coached eight future NFL players, including three time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., a Super Bowl champion. From 1985 to 1987, Brazil played three seasons at TCU as an offensive lineman.

Kenny Perry, an associate head coach at Texas Tech, tweeted his condolences.

“Heaven gained one of the best Texas High School Football Coaches,” wrote Perry, who coached at Arlington Sam Houston, Haltom and Arlington Bowie before he joined the college ranks. “Brian Brazil was as great of a man as he was a coach. Will always remember my times with him. Prayers to his wonderful family.”

Colby Carthel, head football coach at Stephen F. Austin State University, said if you asked God to describe the “perfect football coach,” he would tell you about Brian Brazil.

“Sadly we lost one of the best #TXHSFB coaches to ever walk the sidelines,” Carthel wrote. “I had the great pleasure of coaching his son and send prayers for him and the entire Brazil family.”

David said his dad was a “a great coach but an even better father.”

David mentioned his father’s dedication to football, but specified the most important parts of his life were his faith, marriage and family. He added the greatest day of his father’s life was when he found the Lord.

Although funeral arrangement details have been circulating social media, the time and date has yet to be determined. Brazil’s family said they would appreciate if attendees wear colors related to the school where they met Brazil.