Scott Cochran hires former Crimson Tide superstar tight end OJ Howard to staff at West Alabama

—

March 12, 2025

Former Alabama Crimson Tide strength and conditioning coach and Georgia Bulldogs special teams coordinator Scott Cochran has been making headlines since being hired as the head football coach at the University of West Alabama.

Last week, Cochran hired two former Alabama players, quarterback Blake Sims and running back Ronnie Clark, to positions on his coaching staff. Sims – who started at quarterback for the Tide during the 2014 season – was hired as UWA’s wide receivers coach while Clark was brought in to coach running backs.

Now, Cochran has made his most notable hire yet, bringing in former Tide standout tight end OJ Howard as the program’s director of player development:

First & foremost thank you God ,

What an opportunity I’ve been presented by Coach Cochran and the University of West Alabama administration .

Thank you 🙏🏾 https://t.co/l8jxeQitpk

— OJ Howard (@TheRealOjHoward) March 11, 2025

“We’re thrilled to welcome another Alabama Football legend and NFL Champion, OJ Howard,” Cochran said in a statement. “OJ was an outstanding athlete at Alabama, earning a first-round NFL draft selection, but what truly set him apart was his leadership. He is a leader of men, and that’s exactly why he’s the perfect fit for this role. ”

Howard racked up over 1,700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during his career at Alabama, but it was his performance in the 2015 national title game that Tide fans will remember best. In a 45-40 victory over the Clemson Tigers, Howard racked up 208 yards and two touchdowns to help deliver Nick Saban his fifth national title and fourth at Alabama.

Eventually going in the first round of the NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Howard caught 129 passes for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career, winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2020.

Howard should make a wonderful addition to Cochran’s staff as someone who is experienced at all levels of football and knows firsthand what it takes to win.

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.