USU Eastern Athletic Director Discusses Program's Future

Jess Brinkerhoff talks coaching changes, facility upgrades, and recruiting efforts for the Golden Eagles.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:49am

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Utah State University Eastern Athletic Director Jess Brinkerhoff joined a local radio show to provide an update on the state of the school's athletic department. Brinkerhoff discussed the departure of longtime Men's Basketball coach Bill Evans, the hiring of interim head coach Easton Ralphs, and plans to upgrade the baseball and softball fields in Helper, Utah. The athletic department is focused on finding the right long-term replacement for Evans while also supporting other sports programs and engaging the local community.

Why it matters

USU Eastern is a junior college with a history of high turnover among coaches and players. Maintaining stability and community engagement is crucial for the small-town program to continue developing its athletic offerings and recruiting top talent.

The details

After 6 seasons as the head coach of the USU Eastern Men's Basketball team, Bill Evans is departing the program. Evans compiled a record of 98 wins and 71 losses during his tenure. Assistant Coach Easton Ralphs will take over as interim head coach effective immediately. The athletic department is in no rush to hire a permanent replacement, wanting to ensure they find the right fit for the program and community. Meanwhile, USU Eastern is partnering with Helper City to upgrade the baseball and softball fields, which Brinkerhoff hopes will boost the school's recruiting efforts. The upgraded facilities will also be available for use by local youth programs.

  • Bill Evans has been the head coach of the USU Eastern Men's Basketball team since 2020.
  • Easton Ralphs has worked on the coaching staff since 2021.

The players

Jess Brinkerhoff

The Athletic Director at Utah State University Eastern.

Bill Evans

The former head coach of the USU Eastern Men's Basketball team, who is departing the program after 6 seasons.

Easton Ralphs

The assistant coach who will take over as interim head coach of the USU Eastern Men's Basketball team.

Lenise Peterman

The Mayor of Helper City, who is providing a grant to help fund the upgrades to the baseball and softball fields.

Houston family

A family that is providing a matching donation to help fund the upgrades to the baseball and softball fields in Helper.

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What they’re saying

“I can't thank Coach Evans enough for everything that he's given over the past years that he's been part of the program. And we're just looking at going in a different direction at this point.”

— Jess Brinkerhoff, Athletic Director, Utah State University Eastern

“This is going to take [them] to a completely new level. We hope that this helps us in our recruiting efforts.”

— Jess Brinkerhoff, Athletic Director, Utah State University Eastern

“We want Carbon or any of the middle schools, the elementaries, to be able to come out and utilize those fields when they're accessible — if that's something that Helper City wants as well. Which, from my understanding, means this is kind of a community upgrade, not just a university upgrade.”

— Jess Brinkerhoff, Athletic Director, Utah State University Eastern

What’s next

Over the next few weeks, the USU Eastern athletic program will be evaluating its options for a permanent replacement for Bill Evans as the head coach of the Men's Basketball team.

The takeaway

USU Eastern is focused on maintaining stability and community engagement within its athletic department, even as it navigates coaching changes and facility upgrades. The school is committed to finding the right long-term fit for its Men's Basketball program while also supporting other sports and providing resources for local youth.