ECHS_SportsProgram_2025.indd

Football Coaches

MARK BARFIELD VARSITY DEFENSE, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / SAFETIES, OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Mark Barfield is starting his 10th year of teaching & coaching, entering his 8thh year at East Coweta High School. The two seasons prior he was at South Gwinnett coaching safeties & outside backers. Previous to his coaching stint in high school, Mark worked at the collegiate level with the South Alabama Jaguar football

team, assisting the defense & the safety position, as well as leading the team development for players on & off the field. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Business and has his Masters in Counseling & Masters of Divinity. Coach Barfield is from Augusta, Georgia.

RUSTY EASOM LINEBACKER COACH / SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

Coach Rusty Easom enters his 24th season coaching high school football, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. Over the course of his career, Coach Easom has served in multiple leadership roles, including Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and Special Teams Coordinator. A proud graduate of Upson Lee High School, he played under the guidance of legendary Head Coach Hal Lamb. His educational background includes a Specialist Degree in Coaching Pedagogy from Valdosta State University, reflecting his commitment to both the sport and the development of young athletes. Coach Easom is married to Ashley Easom, a dedicated school nurse at Eastside Elementary in the Coweta County School District. Together, they have two children, Neely (13) and Barrett (11), who both attend East Coweta Middle School. Coach Easom brings experience, leadership, and a strong family-oriented mindset to the program, and he is excited to continue shaping young men on and off the field.

NICHOLAS JOHNSON OFFENSIVE LINE HEAD JV COACH

Starting 8th year on staff coaching Offensive Line and teaching Special Education at East Coweta High School. Coach Johnson is also the JV Head Coach. Outside of football, he coaches varsity lacrosse at EC where he resides as the head coach. Born and raised in Dadeville, AL. Played football for Richard White at Dadeville High School…was a three-year starter…named team Offensive Most Valuable Player as a senior…was a first-team

all-district and all-region selection. Went on to play collegiate football at Jacksonville State University under the leadership of head coaches Jack Crowe, Bill Clark, and John Grass. Started a total of 49 games as a Gamecock, won 3 consecutive conference championships, played for a National Championship in 2015, and was voted first team all-conference as a senior. Received a Bachelors of Science in Special Education in 2017 from J acksonville State University. Graduated with his Master’s Degree from the University of West Georgia in the Fall of 2020 and he is currently working towards his specialist.