Scott Cochran is back in the game. The former Alabama football strength coach is the new head coach at West Alabama, the Tigers announced on Monday.
Cochran had been out of coaching since after the 2023 season, instead working to promote addiction recovery.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of West Alabama football program as head coach,” Cochran said in a press release from UWA announcing the hire. “UWA has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, dedicated staff, and passionate community to continue that legacy. Together, we will strive for greatness and make our supporters proud.”
Cochran was one of the driving forces behind Nick Saban’s dynasty at Alabama. He began coaching under Saban at LSU, and returned to work under him in Tuscaloosa after a stint in the NBA.
After the 2020 season, Cochran took a special teams coordinator job under Kirby Smart at Georgia. He resigned from the UGA staff in 2024 due to personal issues, later revealed to be addiction struggles.
Since then, Cochran, now sober, has traveled to speak to teams and organizations with his nonprofit, American Addiction Recovery Association.
“My own personal struggles have given me a unique perspective that allows me to expertly develop players and prepare them to go to the next level,” Cochran said in the release. “I get to know players better than they know themselves, and I feel that I have something to give back through head coaching. This is more than just a job for me; it’s a calling to help young men grow both on and off the field.”
A Division II program, West Alabama went 9-2 in 2024, which the release noted was the best record in the state of Alabama. After the season, former head coach Brett Gilliland moved to athletics director for the Cougars.
“Scott Cochran’s passion for the game, along with his ability to connect with players and his commitment to developing student-athletes as individuals, all align with the values of our program,” Gilliland said in the release. “We are confident that his guidance will allow UWA Football to continue to foster a winning culture both on and off the field. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our team and our community.”
