CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Granville Eastman is back as an Austin Peay State University assistant football coach.

Eastman, a Toronto, Canada native, returns to the Governors football program as defensive coordinator after immigration and work-related visa issues were resolved. During late summer, the University was forced to terminate his employment after all measures and options were explored and exhausted to address the expiration of his visa status.

“I am excited to be back,” Eastman said. “I am very grateful to this University's administration and Coach Rick Christophel for their support of me while I was working on these issues. I also am very grateful to Coach Christophel for keeping my position available.”

“I am happy Granville is back and happy for him that he got everything worked out,” APSU coach Rick Christophel said. “He not only is a good ambassador for Austin Peay, but a good football coach. He does a lot off the field as well as on the field with these kids.

“I think it will make us a stronger defensive staff in the long run. It made some of these younger guys really grow up in a hurry.”

Eastman was forced to depart APSU's program just prior to the Georgia Southern contest, APSU's second game. Christophel initially took charge of the defense and later hired former Tennessee Titans defensive back Dainon Sidney as secondary coach for the season's remainder. At the same time, Christophel turned much of the defensive signal calling over to first-year assistant Ryan Taylor, the former Gov who had returned to Austin Peay after serving two seasons as an assistant at North Greenville University.

Eastman came to APSU in 2003 as secondary coach before taking over as defensive coordinator beginning with the 2005 season. His defense ranked eighth in Football Championship Subdivision rankings in turnovers created in 2007, including 12th in interceptions.     

- AP -