John Lima out as Brandon head coach (update 4 p.m.)

After two straight playoff berths for the first time since 2006-2007, John Lima will not be back as the head football coach at Brandon.

Lima confirmed via text message Thursday that he is out as coach and declined to comment further.

Brandon ended Newsome's three-year district win streak and handed previously unbeaten Plant City its first loss of the year en route to making the playoffs as the runnerup in Class 7A, District 8. Without leading rusher Tyrell Garner (1,469 yards in nine games), the Eagles lost to Tampa Bay Tech 37-0 in the first round.

Lima was 29-35 in his six seasons at Brandon.

Reached on his cell phone, Brandon athletic director Tibor Kovacs said the school decided to go in a different direction and declined to comment further.

Teams in post

• Brandon High School