Irmo, SC (WLTX) - Irmo High School boys soccer coach Matt Brophy has been fired from his coaching position, Lexington-Richland District 5 spokesperson Katrina Goggins confirmed Wednesday morning.
Brophy came to Irmo from Byrnes High School in 2013 to replace legendary Irmo soccer coach Phil Savitz, who earned 14 state championships and more than 600 wins in 33 years before leaving to take the same position at River Bluff High School.
Irmo athletic director Reggie Kennedy issued the following statement:
"This week Coach Brophy was relieved of his soccer coaching responsibilities," Kennedy writes in a release. "He is still employed as a teacher at Irmo High School. As this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further on this matter.
"The Irmo High School soccer program is in great shape. While it is unfortunate that we have had a head coaching change mid-season, the program is solid and the players are doing very well.
"Coach Stephen Duerr who was coaching the Irmo High JV soccer team is serving as interim varsity coach. I have confidence in Coach Duerr and know that the team will continue to excel under his leadership. A decision on a permanent coach has not been made. But, we will do all we can to ensure the legacy of excellence in soccer continues at Irmo High School."
Brophy was placed on administrative leave in early March for a violation of state and district student transportation policies, the district has said. Sources have told WLTX the violation centered around Brophy renting a vehicle to transport players to an away game rather than use a district-provided bus.
Irmo is currently 9-0-2 on the year.
