Scott Cochran Brings Championship Experience to West Alabama Football Staff

In a monumental move for the University of West Alabama football program, Scott Cochran, former Alabama football strength and conditioning coach, has joined the Tigers’ staff. Cochran’s appointment is one that has already stirred excitement and optimism in the program, as the former Alabama assistant brings with him a wealth of experience that includes coaching at the highest levels of college football and the NFL. With a career that spans multiple national championships at Alabama and a Super Bowl title with the New Orleans Saints, Cochran’s addition is expected to make an immediate impact on West Alabama’s football operations.

A Proven Track Record

Scott Cochran’s reputation is built on his excellence as a strength and conditioning coach, which he developed over nearly two decades in the profession. He first made a name for himself at the University of Alabama, where he was hired as the head strength and conditioning coach in 2004 by legendary head coach Nick Saban. Over the course of his tenure at Alabama, Cochran became one of the most respected figures in the strength and conditioning world.

Cochran’s influence at Alabama was profound. His innovative approaches to training and his ability to push players to their physical and mental limits helped establish Alabama as a powerhouse. Under Cochran’s leadership, the Crimson Tide won multiple national championships, including those in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017. Players, many of whom went on to have successful careers in the NFL, often cited Cochran as one of the key factors behind their development as elite athletes.

Perhaps more than any other assistant on Alabama’s coaching staff, Cochran was known for his high-energy personality and his relentless drive to instill discipline and toughness in his athletes. His infectious enthusiasm and motivational style quickly made him a fan favorite, and his ability to inspire players became a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

In addition to his work at Alabama, Cochran also spent time in the NFL. He joined the New Orleans Saints in 2020 as the team’s special teams coordinator. In just his first season, Cochran’s efforts contributed to the Saints’ strong special teams play, a factor that played a pivotal role in their eventual Super Bowl championship victory. Cochran’s time with the Saints further solidified his status as one of the premier coaches in his field.

Why West Alabama?

So, what led Cochran to leave his high-profile positions with Alabama and the New Orleans Saints to take a position with West Alabama, a Division II football program? For many, it would seem like a step down, but Cochran’s decision was driven by a combination of personal and professional factors.

West Alabama’s program, led by head coach Brett Gilliland, has been on the rise in recent years. After a successful stint as the head coach at the University of West Alabama, Gilliland has turned the Tigers into a competitive force in the Gulf South Conference. With his program continuing to grow, the addition of Cochran is viewed as a game-changer for West Alabama’s football operations. Cochran’s experience at the highest levels of football will be invaluable in helping Gilliland and his staff elevate the program to new heights.

Cochran himself has stated that he was drawn to the opportunity to make a tangible difference at the collegiate level and help develop the next generation of athletes. For Cochran, coaching at West Alabama allows him to have a more direct and lasting impact on the players he works with, while also providing a change of pace from the pressure and spotlight of the NFL and elite college football programs.

Beyond the professional aspect, Cochran also expressed excitement about returning to his roots and being a part of a program that focuses on developing student-athletes both on and off the field. The chance to work with young athletes and help them prepare for life after football was an important factor in Cochran’s decision to join the Tigers’ staff.

The Cochran Effect

West Alabama’s players, coaches, and fans are all anticipating the “Cochran effect”—the impact of his high-energy coaching style, vast experience, and championship pedigree. Cochran’s reputation as a motivator and disciplinarian will undoubtedly resonate with the Tigers’ roster, which is eager to improve and take their game to the next level.

The influence of Cochran’s arrival extends far beyond just strength and conditioning. His presence is likely to foster a sense of accountability and a winning mentality throughout the program. Players who have worked with Cochran in the past, including Alabama alumni and NFL players, have spoken highly of his ability to push athletes beyond their limits and make them believe in their own potential. His motivational speeches, which have been a hallmark of his coaching style, have inspired countless players to give everything they have on and off the field.

In particular, Cochran’s work ethic and commitment to developing not only the physical attributes of his players but also their mental toughness, will be invaluable assets to the West Alabama program. Cochran has long been known for his ability to transform players into elite athletes, and that will undoubtedly translate well to West Alabama’s roster.

Under Cochran’s guidance, players can expect a more rigorous and comprehensive approach to training. His methods emphasize the importance of discipline, nutrition, recovery, and mental focus. Cochran’s goal is not just to improve strength and conditioning but to instill the habits and mindset necessary for sustained success both on the field and in life.

Building the Future of West Alabama Football

While Cochran’s arrival is certainly a significant moment for the Tigers, it is just one part of a broader effort to build a championship-caliber program. Coach Gilliland has been working tirelessly to recruit top talent and improve the infrastructure around the team, including the facilities and resources available to the athletes. Cochran’s addition to the staff is an essential piece of the puzzle, as the program continues to build toward long-term success.

The collaboration between Cochran and Coach Gilliland is expected to be a potent one. Both men have a shared understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture, and they share a commitment to developing their players into well-rounded individuals. Together, they will form a dynamic coaching tandem that has the potential to make West Alabama a powerhouse in Division II football.

Additionally, Cochran’s experience at the NFL level will be invaluable when it comes to preparing players for life after football. Whether it’s training to make an NFL roster or preparing for a professional career outside of football, Cochran’s expertise in elite-level performance will undoubtedly provide West Alabama’s players with a competitive edge when it comes to pursuing their dreams.

The Role of Strength and Conditioning in College Football

In recent years, the importance of strength and conditioning in college football has become even more apparent. As the game has become faster, stronger, and more physical, programs across the country have invested heavily in their strength and conditioning departments. Cochran’s work at Alabama and New Orleans proved that a strong, well-conditioned team is a competitive team, and this philosophy will be a cornerstone of West Alabama’s program moving forward.

The role of a strength and conditioning coach is often underrated, but it is integral to the success of any football team. Coaches like Cochran not only prepare players physically but also teach them the mental toughness necessary to excel on the field. His focus on conditioning, injury prevention, and recovery will help ensure that West Alabama’s athletes are performing at their peak when the game day arrives.

Looking Ahead

As Scott Cochran takes on his new role at West Alabama, it’s clear that the program is poised for a bright future. With his unparalleled experience and championship pedigree, Cochran will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the Tigers’ football program. Whether it’s through his leadership in strength and conditioning or his ability to inspire and motivate his athletes, Cochran’s presence will be felt throughout the entire program.

West Alabama is no stranger to success, but with the addition of Cochran to the staff, the program’s potential has reached new heights. As Cochran helps mold the next generation of athletes, West Alabama’s football team is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

For Cochran, the journey is just beginning. After years spent coaching elite athletes in some of the most high-pressure environments, he now has the opportunity to build something special from the ground up. The West Alabama Tigers are in great hands, and with Cochran’s guidance, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.