A*Columbia, South Carolina*native, Easterby lettered in basketball and golf at*A.C. Flora High School*and*Newberry College*and studied theology at*Erskine College*and*Liberty University.*He served as an operations intern with the*Jacksonville Jaguars*in the summer of 2004.
In 2005, while working as an academic tutor at the*University of South Carolina, Easterby was hired by*Dave Odom*to serve as the "character coach" of*Gamecocks*men's basketball team, and worked extensively with*Dawn Staley*and the women's team.
After leaving South Carolina, Easterby served the Kansas City Chiefs as chaplain, where he ministered to the team following the murder-suicide of*Jovan Belcher. Placekicker*Ryan Succop, who attended South Carolina when Easterby was there, recommended him to*Scott Pioli*for the position.
Easterby was hired*New England Patriots*in 2013, in part to deal with the*Aaron Hernandez*crisis. Throughout his tenure, he was the only man in the league to hold a paid position of character development coach. He described his work as "to serve the players mentally, physically and help them as people”.*He also helped the team with draft evaluations, helped orient new players, and held Bible studies and religious services. He grew close to*Bill Belichick, and by his fourth year, the football operations staff reportedly reported to him.*