Coach's Corner: Kevin Easley

Adapting, Competing, and Leading with Heart at Life University

As Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Life University, Kevin Easley is no stranger to building something special. In his seventh year at the helm, Easley led Life U to a conference championship, a Sweet 16 appearance in the NAIA national tournament, and a 68-win stretch over three seasons—second-most among four-year programs in Georgia. But beneath the trophies and tournament runs lies a deeper mission: building a family out of strangers and molding young men who are “over themselves” and committed to something bigger.

From Small-Town Roots to Big-Time Basketball

Easley’s journey began in Trenton, Tennessee—home to 5,000 residents and the nation’s largest teapot collection. He played college ball at Austin Peay State before launching a coaching career that included stops at UT Martin, UNC Greensboro, High Point, UNC Asheville, UNC Wilmington, and UT Chattanooga, with a stint coaching AAU powerhouse Team Loaded in between.

Each stop helped shape his coaching philosophy: recruit the right people, develop them fast, and build a culture players want to be part of.

Life U Basketball: A Tradition of Success

With three national championships and two national runner-ups—including a recent title game appearance in 2017—Life U is one of the NAIA’s most respected programs.

In his time, Easley has added his own stamp: “We beat some incredible teams this year, won our pod, and made it to the Sweet 16. That’s what everyone at this level dreams of—playing in Kansas City for a shot at the title.”

The season ended with a tough loss to a red-hot #1 seed, but Easley doesn’t define the year by that result. “I always cry after the last game—not because we lost, but because I don’t get to do it with that group anymore.”

Building Culture in a Microwave Era

With the transfer portal reshaping college basketball, Easley faces the challenge of building chemistry with nearly a new roster each season. “We had two returners and two redshirts from last year’s 27-win team. That’s it,” he said. “You can’t build for the long haul anymore—you’ve got to microwave it.”

To create fast cohesion, Easley leans into summer workouts, team retreats, and relationship-building. Life U offers summer school, which allows the full team to be on campus early. “We run mini-camps, teach the system, and do things like Topgolf, dinners, and Dave & Busters. That team bonding matters,” he said.

But it all starts with recruiting the right guys: “We want players who are skilled, unselfish, and over themselves. That’s non-negotiable.”

Recruiting With Intention

Life U has carved out a niche by finding “fit over flash.” While many programs chase D1 transfers, Easley finds success with NAIA talent and players overlooked at other levels. “It’s not about who jumps the highest. We need guys who can dribble, pass, and shoot—and want to be part of a team.”

Each recruit goes through a deliberate evaluation process. “We ask questions on visits to see where their heads are. We watch film—but not just the play. We watch the bench. How do they react when they come out? What’s their body language like? That tells you everything.”

Turning Points and Team Buy-In

The moment Easley knew this year’s team had something special? A road loss to defending national champs Freed-Hardeman. “We were up most of the game. I ripped up the stat sheet and told the guys, ‘This proves we’re legit.’ After that, everything changed—practices, effort, focus. We walked and talked different.”

That mentality—buying into the team over the individual—fueled their postseason run. “The most connected teams win in March,” Easley said. “And we were connected.”

Leading With Humility

Easley is quick to acknowledge that the success isn’t about him. “Early in my career, I thought it was. But I’ve learned—the wins are about them, and the losses are on me.”

That perspective has helped him build trust with his players and staff. “I’ve been humbled by this game more than once. But I’ve also seen how powerful it is to pour into others. That’s what coaching is about.”

Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Easley offers a candid warning to those dreaming of a coaching career: “It’s a beautiful profession, but not always a great business.”

He encourages aspiring coaches to:

• Know the cost: The hours, pressure, and sacrifice are real.
• Build relationships: Every interaction is a potential job interview.
• Work hard without ego: “You might be driving to an airport at 4 a.m. to pick someone up. That’s part of it.”

Still, for those who stick it out, the reward is unmatched. “To get a call years later from a player saying, ‘Coach, I made it’—that’s why we do this.”

For Student-Athletes: Be Open, Be Ready

Easley also has advice for recruits:

• Be open to all levels: “Don’t be D1 or bust. Appreciate every opportunity.”
• Have a social media presence: It matters more than people realize.
• Be professional: Coaches remember how you act—even when you say no.

“Some kids don’t answer our calls as juniors, then message us as seniors. We remember. But we also remember the ones who handled it with class—and we come back to them.”

Life at Life U

Life University is more than just basketball. It’s the nation’s top chiropractic school, home to 22 athletic programs and a diverse student body from around the world.

Located in Marietta, Georgia—just outside Atlanta—the campus boasts waterfalls, top-notch facilities, and a culture of excellence that spans every sport. “Life U has raised the bar across the board,” Easley said. “And basketball is just one part of that.”

To learn more about Life University Men’s Basketball, follow @LifeUMBB or connect with Coach Easley at @CoachEasley. As Easley puts it, “Life is good—no pun intended.”