Former Alabama Tight End O.J. Howard Joins UWA Football Staff

LIVINGSTON, AL — The University of West Alabama Football program and head coach Scott Cochran announced on Tuesday that former Alabama tight end O.J. Howard has joined the coaching staff as its director of player development.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Howard is the fourth former Crimson Tide player and third former NFL player to join West Alabama's staff since Cochran's hiring in early February.

"We're thrilled to welcome another Alabama football legend and NFL champion, O.J. Howard," Cochran said. "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."

Howard was a weapon in the Crimson Tide offense and head coach Nick Saban, logging 114 catches, 1,726 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns throughout his career while sharing the field with receivers like Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, and Ardarius Stewart.

Howard was a member of the national championship team in 2015 and was named MVP of the title game. He was also a part of three SEC Championships during his time with the Tide from 2013-2016.

Following his time in Tuscaloosa, Howard was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — becoming only the second Alabama Tight End in School history to be selected in the first round in the common draft era.

Howard was an immediate starter for Tampa Bay and went on to play five seasons with the Buccaneers, where he made 119 receptions, 1,737 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, including a career-high six touchdowns as a rookie.

He also won the first and only Super Bowl of his career in 2021 with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9.

The Prattville native went on to play for the Bills, Texans, and Raiders over the next two years and Cochran says he is now ready to make his impact on the other side of the sidelines.

"O.J. has excelled at every level of football," Cochran said. "I can't wait to get him here and around the group that we have."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com