Former longtime SEC assistant for both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, Scott Cochran, has been hired as the new head coach at the University of West Alabama, the school announced on Monday evening.
Best remembered in Tuscaloosa for his trademark energy he brought to the program in the weight room, Cochran’s eventual departure for the special teams coordinator role at Georgia was largely pointed to as a reason for the Crimson Tide not meeting expectations in the final years of Nick Saban.
Cochran later left the program at Georgia after opening up about personal struggles he had been dealing with including substance abuse and mental health issues. He has since received treatment and spoken all over the country at events for the American Addiction Recovery Association. Cochran has also been open about his renewed dedication to mentoring and helping young athletes.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Scott Cochran to the University of West Alabama,” said UWA president Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “His dynamic coaching style, combined with his dedication to fostering both athletic and academic excellence, aligns perfectly with our values. We are confident that he will build on our program’s strong foundation and lead our student-athletes to success on and off the field.”
Cochran released a statement of his own expressing his excitement to lead the program and be in a position once again to impart wisdom from his experiences to student-athletes.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of West Alabama football program as head coach,” said Cochran. “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.”
“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. 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.”
UWA’s Athletics Director Brett Gilliland, the team’s former head coach for ten seasons, also spoke about Cochran’s hire.
“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. “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.”
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.