Boyd Anderson's Eddie "Rabbit" Brown Taking Leave Of Absence
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With fall practice set to begin Monday, Boyd Anderson's football program was dealt a big blow Friday afternoon.
Head coach Eddie "Rabbit" Brown announced via a post on his personal Facebook page that he would be taking a leave of absence – effective immediately – due to personal family reasons.
Calls to Boyd Anderson's administration were not promptly returned. The school will likely name an interim coach in the near future – with teams able to begin fall practice on August 1st.
"I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a leave of absence, effective immediately," Brown penned. "You all know passionate I am about your sons and football, but right now I am not able to give your sons my all. It is time for me to focus on the personal family matters that are more important than anything else at this time."
"I hope everyone will be understanding and respectful of my decision," Brown wrote.
Brown, the father of Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown, brought the Cobras' program back to life in 2015. After going winless in 2014, Brown turned Boyd Anderson around and led it to a 9-1 regular season, a district title and a postseason berth.
Prior to taking over Boyd Anderson, Brown coached at Miami Northwestern – also leading the Bulls to the playoffs in his only season on the sideline.
A Miami native whose family ties run deep in South Florida, Brown is regarded as one of the best players in the history of Arena Football League and he spent time coaching at the junior college level (Fort Scott Community College) as well as in the AFL.
The timing and circumstance of Brown's decision are inauspicious as expectations for Boyd Anderson's 2016 season are at a pretty lofty level.
Senior quarterback Shabazz Telfort is one of the top passers in South Florida and the Cobras have, arguably, one of the best defensive backfields in the state – with Raheme Fuller, Michael Nesbitt, Rennard Bozeman and Cardinal Gibbons transfer and four-star prospect Daniel Wright.
And the team is going to be put to the test as Brown built a rigorous schedule.
The Cobras are set to participate in the Battle Sports Science Preseason Football Classic – taking on Class 8A power Miami Christopher Columbus on August 19th at the Miramar Ansin Sports Complex.
Boyd Anderson also has a September 23rd meeting at independent powerhouse Bradenton IMG Academy as well as an October 21st showdown with St. Thomas Aquinas – on top of its tough district battles with Dillard and Boynton Beach.
Brown did not define the length of his leave but did create an opening for a potential return down the line.
"I just need time to get myself and my family in order," Brown said via text message. "I will be back better than ever."
