Joel Harry Eaves (June 3, 1914 – July 18, 1991) was an American college football and basketball player, coach, and athletic director.

[2] Eaves was born on the Georgia state line in Copperhill, Tennessee.

On coach Jack Meagher's football team, Eaves was an end, selected All-SEC by the Associated Press in 1936.

Eaves also assisted with the football team while at Auburn, helping with the freshmen ends for two years before coaching varsity defensive ends, contributing to Auburn's 1957 national championship.

[11] Joel Eaves was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.