Scott Cochran Takes the Helm at West Alabama: A New Era Begins

West Alabama University is thrilled to announce the hiring of Scott Cochran as its new head football coach, marking a significant shift in the Division II program's trajectory. Cochran, 45, is not just any coach; he comes with a treasure trove of experience from the SEC, having served as the strength and conditioning coach at both LSU and Alabama under legendary coach Nick Saban.

Cochran's impressive resume includes contributions to six national championship teams — four at Alabama and two at LSU. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing not only strong athletes but also well-rounded individuals. As highlighted by West Alabama President Todd Fritch, Cochran's dynamic coaching style and commitment to academic and athletic excellence are a perfect fit for the university's mission. "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," Fritch stated.

Having recently transitioned into an on-field coaching role, Cochran served as the special teams coordinator at Georgia, where he aided in securing national titles in 2021 and 2022. His experience in high-pressure situations is expected to translate well to his new role.

Cochran's journey has not been without challenges. After publicly discussing his struggles with painkiller addiction, which began in 2012 due to severe migraines, Cochran has turned his experiences into a platform for change. His dedication to speaking out about addiction reflects a commitment to mental health and helping others navigate similar challenges. In his own words, Cochran has said, "The opposite of addiction is connection. If we can get people out of that shame and guilt cycle, there's going to be a lot more recovery, and that's going to save lives."

In replacing Brett Gilliland, who boasted a 9-2 record in his final season, Cochran is stepping into the role with a vision. "This is more than just a job for me; it's a calling to help young men grow both on and off the field," he expressed in a recent statement. With this new leadership, West Alabama football is poised for an exciting future, blending competitive spirit with a focus on personal growth and recovery.