A veteran head coach and coordinator from East Texas, John Eastman came to Howard Payne in the spring of 2025 after serving as the offensive line coach at West Rusk High School in New London, Texas.

In over 31 years of coaching at the high school level, Coach Eastman has had teams in the State Finalist in 2004, the State Quarterfinals in 2000 and 2010, the State Regionals in 2001 and 2003, and the Area Finals in 2006, 2019, and 2021. The teams he has helped lead have made the playoffs in 20 out of 31 years of coaching.

His experience as a head coach, defensive coordinator, and recruiting connections in East Texas have been valuable for the Howard Payne football program.

Coach Eastman served as a THSCA UIL Advisory Board member from 2016-2019 and was named the East Texas Athletic Director of the Year in 2021.

Coach Eastman’s Coaching History
West Rusk – New London, Texas (2024) - Offensive Line Coach
Carlisle ISD – Carlisle, Texas (2023) - Offensive Line Coach
Troup ISD – Troup, Texas (2016-2022) - Athletic Director/Head Football Coach
Troup ISD – Troup, Texas (2012-2016) - Defensive Coordinator
West Rusk – New London, Texas (2010-2012) - Assistant Coach
Troup ISD – Troup, Texas (2005-2010) - Athletic Director/Head Football Coach
Troup ISD – Troup, Texas (2003-2005) - Defensive Coordinator
Gladewater ISD – Gladewater, Texas (1994-2003) - Assistant Coach
Big Sandy ISD – Big Sandy, Texas (1992-1994) - Assistant Coach

Coach Eastman holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

John is married to Melissa for over 33 years and they have three adult children; Callen, Samantha, and Jaycee.