Former Tide Assistant Scott Cochran Hired As New West Alabama Football Coach

LIVINGSTON, AL — The University of West Alabama (UWA) on Monday announced that former University of Alabama assistant coach Scott Cochran has been hired as the new head coach of the UWA Tigers football team.

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"We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Scott Cochran to the University of West Alabama," UWA president Dr. Todd G. Fritch said. "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 previously worked as a strength and conditioning coach at LSU and Alabama, before becoming the special teams coach at the University of Georgia.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of West Alabama football program as head coach," Cochran said. "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."

UWA said Cochran has developed more than 50 athletes who went on to be first-round draft picks in the NFL and more than 200 athletes who were drafted.

Cochran has also been a part of eight national championship team.

Cochran has also been lauded for his candor about his personal struggles with addiction and has recently traveled across the country to speak to athletes and organizations as part of his nonprofit, the 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," he said. "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."

Cochran comes to Livingston following a 9-2 season for the Tigers, which also marked the end of a 10-season chapter as head coach for now Athletic Director Brett Gilliland.

"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."

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