CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Immigration issues have sidelined Granville Eastman, Austin Peay State University's football program's defensive coordinator for the past four seasons.

A Toronto, Canada, native, Eastman's APSU employment recently ended after all measures and options were explored and exhausted to address the expiration of his visa status. The defensive coach who's been on staff since Spring 2003, had been in the U.S. on an H1b visa typically awarded to higher education faculty. APSU formerly required coaches to function as teaching faculty but ended the requirement during the years of non-scholarship football.

“Due to issues related to his immigration, he no longer is able to continue his association with the University and the football program at this time,” said Richard Jackson, APSU vice-president for legal affairs and strategic planning.  “He is taking steps to resolve the matter but presently his continued affiliation with the program is not a viable option.”

Eastman came to APSU in 2003 as secondary coach before taking over as defensive coordinator beginning with the 2005 season. His defense, which played largely just one senior a year ago, ranked eighth in Football Championship Subdivision rankings in turnovers created a year ago, including 12th in interceptions.

The veteran coach, who came to APSU after serving four seasons as an assistant at Tiffin (Ohio), may have to continue his immigration fight from Canada.  

“Granville has been way more valuable than just an assistant coach,” APSU coach Rick Christophel said. “He has just been a great mentor and teacher to our kids. He has been just an unbelievable ambassador for this University.

“He has been a guy who I have been able to lean on and someone who is not afraid to give his opinion; whether it was right or wrong he was going to say what he thought. More than that, I consider him a friend.”

Christophel indicated Eastman's duties will be divided among the current staff.

 “There is no way at this point you could think about hiring someone,” Christophel said. “It wouldn't be right for our kids, it wouldn't be right for our staff. You are not going to be able to find someone who is knowledgeable enough and have the same thought process we have, not just for our football situation but for our kids as well.”

- AP -