USC character coach departs program

Jack Easterby, perhaps the most visible non-coach staff member for the USC men's basketball team, is no longer with the program.

Easterby was officially the team's character coach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative. He sat on the team's bench during games, traveled with the team and spent a lot of time around the team offices. He served as the director for coach Darrin Horn's summer camp.

The circumstances of the departure are unclear. Attempts to reach Easterby were not successful. Horn said through team spokesman Emily Feeney that the team was "no longer using the services of the FCA."

A Columbia native who attended Newberry College, Easterby was very demonstrative during Gamecock games, encouraging players during plays and timeouts. The team's media guide said that Easterby worked "with players, staff and coaches on developing them off the court and in the community." He also spoke during team functions, such as the postseason banquet and Ladies Clinics.

Easterby was in his fifth year with the program, and was one of the last holdovers from coach Dave Odom's staff.

- Seth Emerson

This story was originally published March 25, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "USC character coach departs program."