“We’re thrilled to welcome another Alabama Football legend and NFL Champion, O.J. Howard,” Cochran said in a statement. “O.J. 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.”

O.J. Howard, the former Crimson Tide tight end who was a five-star recruit and won three SEC championships and a national championship in his four seasons at Alabama, was named as West Alabama's director of player development.

The program announced Tuesday that they have hired former Crimson Tide great O.J. Howard to their staff to head up player development for the program.

"Just love, all love," Cochran said. "Come on. I worked for the man 18 years. He is a father figure for me, so I learned everything I have from him." Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him [email protected] or follow him@_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.

West Alabama head coach Scott Cochran hasn’t wasted any time rebuilding the Tigers’ football program since being hired in February. The former Alabama strength and conditioning coach has now added former Alabama tight end O.

Blake Sims was part of two national championship teams and started at quarterback for Alabama football in 2014.

As he transitions to his first head coaching role at West Alabama, Cochran said the lessons he learned from his transition from Alabama to Georgia still apply.

Cochran, who spent 13 seasons as Alabama football's strength and conditioning coach under coach Nick Saban most known for being "Coach Yeah," was named as the new head football coach of West Alabama.

As Cochran spoke of the future, of what he plans to do with West Alabama football as its head coach, he was asked about the current state of the Crimson Tide, about Kalen DeBoer and what he's done at Alabama. Cochran said he honestly doesn't know much.

The Alabama football connections continue as Scott Cochran builds his West Alabama football coaching staff. The West Alabama football program announced Thursday that former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims as its wide receivers coach, and former Crimson Tide defensive back and running back Ronnie Clark as its running backs coach.

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks during a press conference after winning the Citi BCS National Championship game over the Texas Longhorns at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. The Crimson Tide defeated the Longhorns 37-21. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)