Jack Easterby (born 24 March 1983) is a former NFL executive best known for his role as Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Houston Texans. Prior to joining the Texans in 2019, Easterby held influential leadership and character development roles with several major sports organisations, including the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and the University of South Carolina.
Raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Easterby played basketball and golf at A.C. Flora High School and Newberry College, later studying theology at Erskine College and Liberty University. Early in his career, he served as a character coach and chaplain, gaining recognition for his work in collegiate sports and eventually transitioning to the NFL.
From 2013 to 2018, Easterby served with the New England Patriots, where he was brought in to support the team during the Aaron Hernandez crisis. His unique role as the NFL's only character coach included mentoring players, leading Bible studies, and contributing to team operations. His tenure coincided with the Patriots' victories in Super Bowls XLIX, LI, and LIII.
In 2019, the Houston Texans appointed Easterby to a senior leadership role, where he handled logistics, salary cap strategy, and cultural development. He briefly assumed interim general manager duties in 2020 after the departure of Bill O’Brien. While Easterby’s influence in the Texans organisation drew both praise and criticism, he remained a significant figure in NFL leadership and diversity initiatives until his departure in October 2022.
Jack Easterby’s football career is marked by an unconventional rise through the ranks of collegiate and professional sport, moving from character development roles to senior executive positions in the NFL. His journey began in Columbia, South Carolina, where he played basketball and golf at A.C. Flora High School before attending Newberry College. There, he was recognised for both athletic and academic achievements, including being named Student-Athlete of the Year and receiving the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete award. He later pursued theological studies at Erskine College and Liberty University, laying the foundation for a career that combined sport and ministry.
In 2004, Easterby gained initial experience in the NFL as an operations intern with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The following year, he joined the University of South Carolina as an academic tutor and was soon appointed as the character coach for the men’s basketball team by head coach Dave Odom. He also worked closely with the women’s basketball team under coach Dawn Staley and contributed to the baseball team during their College World Series runs in 2010 and 2011. His work focused on supporting athletes off the field, providing guidance during multiple postseason campaigns and championship appearances.
In 2011, Easterby entered the NFL full-time as team chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was recommended by placekicker Ryan Succop, who knew him from their time at South Carolina. Easterby played a vital role in the organisation during a difficult period, including supporting the team after the tragic murder-suicide involving linebacker Jovan Belcher. His ability to offer emotional and spiritual support further solidified his reputation within the league.
Easterby’s influence grew significantly after joining the New England Patriots in 2013, where he was hired to help the organisation manage the aftermath of the Aaron Hernandez situation. He served as the team’s character coach, a role that made him the only person in the NFL to hold such a title. His responsibilities were wide-ranging—mentoring players, facilitating Bible studies, assisting in draft evaluations, supporting new recruits, and contributing to team-building efforts. He developed a close working relationship with head coach Bill Belichick and was seen as a trusted adviser. During his time in New England, the Patriots won three Super Bowls: XLIX, LI, and LIII, and secured four AFC Championships. Players and staff frequently cited Easterby as a key figure in establishing the team's internal culture and cohesion.
In April 2019, Easterby was hired by the Houston Texans as Executive Vice President of Football Operations. His appointment followed interest from several other sports organisations, including NFL and NBA teams. Initially responsible for team development, Easterby quickly assumed broader responsibilities, including salary cap strategy, player development, sport science, and operational logistics. After the dismissal of head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien in October 2020, Easterby took on the interim GM role, overseeing all football operations until Nick Caserio was appointed. He also led projects such as the renovation of player facilities and locker rooms at NRG Stadium.
Despite his rising profile, Easterby’s leadership style drew mixed responses. Some media outlets published criticisms from anonymous team sources, raising concerns about his influence. However, many within the Texans organisation, including Caserio, defended Easterby, describing the criticisms as unjust and praising his work in player development and organisational culture. Throughout his time in Houston, Easterby remained involved in broader league initiatives, serving on the leadership team for the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship and delivering keynote speeches on diversity and leadership.
On 17 October 2022, Easterby parted ways with the Texans in what was described as a mutual decision. While his approach and rapid ascent drew both support and controversy, his football career stands out for its emphasis on character, faith, and team culture, areas that are increasingly recognised as essential to success in modern sport. From his early days in college athletics to his time shaping NFL organisations, Easterby’s influence has extended beyond wins and losses to the core values that underpin professional football.
Jack Easterby does not have an international football career in the traditional sense, as his work has been entirely based within the United States, primarily in American football at both the collegiate and professional levels. Unlike players or coaches involved in international leagues or competitions, Easterby’s influence has been concentrated within the structures of the NCAA and the NFL.
Jack Easterby’s style of leadership is rooted in character development, relationship-building, and a strong emphasis on personal integrity and faith-based values. Drawing from his background in theology and campus ministry, Easterby approaches leadership with a focus on supporting individuals beyond their athletic performance. He is known for prioritising the holistic wellbeing of players and staff: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually: through mentorship, guidance, and faith-driven support. His leadership style emphasises building a positive and accountable team culture, often fostering strong bonds of trust within organisations. At both the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans, Easterby was recognised for shaping internal dynamics and contributing to the strategic direction of football operations. He regularly engaged in player development, facilitated Bible studies, and encouraged personal growth, all while maintaining close relationships with coaches and executives. His approach is collaborative and service-oriented, with a focus on long-term culture-building rather than short-term results. While his influence has drawn both praise and criticism, Easterby remains known for a leadership style that integrates purpose, discipline, and personal values into the fabric of professional sport.
Jack Easterby was born to Jimmy and Betsy Easterby and hails from Columbia, South Carolina. He is married to Holly Easterby, and together they have two daughters. Easterby’s personal life is deeply influenced by his Christian faith, which has been a central part of both his personal and professional journey. With a background in theology, he has been active in ministry throughout his career, using his faith as a foundation for his leadership approach in sports organisations. He has been involved in various character development and mentoring roles, not only within football but also through broader community and church-related activities. His commitment to faith, family, and service continues to define his values and lifestyle off the field.
Jack Easterby’s legacy in football is defined by his unique role in reshaping how character, leadership, and organisational culture are integrated into high-level sports. Unlike traditional coaches or executives, Easterby carved out a distinct path as a character coach and later as a senior NFL executive, bringing faith-based guidance and personal development into the core of team operations. He is best known for his time with the New England Patriots, where his behind-the-scenes influence contributed to a culture of accountability and success during multiple Super Bowl-winning seasons. His work with players extended beyond the field, focusing on mental, emotional, and spiritual support, an approach that earned him the trust of athletes and staff alike.
At the Houston Texans, his rise to Executive Vice President of Football Operations marked a rare ascent from chaplaincy to front-office leadership. While his tenure drew mixed reactions, it highlighted the growing recognition of off-field leadership in shaping team environments. Easterby also played a role in promoting diversity through his involvement with the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive leadership.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Easterby | Wikipedia
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/13/jack-easterby/ | Sports Business Journal
https://pro-football-history.com/coach/12726/jack-easterby-bio | Pro Football History
https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/2173567/jack-easterby | ESPN
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/a-question-emerges-about-jack-easterbys-nfl-biography | NBC Sports
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/12/10/ex-chaplain-jack-easterby-houston-texans-chaos-after-power-struggle-daily-cover | SI
https://blevenson.podbean.com/e/jack-easterby-on-decision-making/ | Blevenson Podbean
https://www.battleredblog.com/2020/12/10/22167898/jack-easterby-is-littlefinger-an-inside-look-at-easterbys-role-with-the-texans | Battleredblog
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