"Coach Matt was a tremendous addition to our staff last summer and put together a championship caliber team for this summer,” said General Manager Rusty Bryant. "It is unfortunate that he will not be able to lead the team this summer, but we wish him nothing but the best in this great opportunity for him and his family. Fortunately, we have Mike Azira ready to step into the role, and he is more than capable of leading us to make a run at the national championship this summer."
Azira had been named first assistant for Brilla following his retirement from professional soccer in December. Upon his retirement, he was named head coach of Blue Mountain College, an up and coming NAIA program in Mississippi.
Azira assumes the head coaching role immediately, and the club will be announcing additions to the coaching staff in the coming days.
Mississippi Brilla FC will kick off its 16th year in USL2 with a road contest to Texas United on May 20. The team's first home game is scheduled for May 27 at 7 PM at Clinton High School Arrow Field.