Scott Cochran adds Alabama football national champion, Super Bowl champion to West Alabama staff
In a significant move for the University of West Alabama’s football program, head coach Scott Cochran has added two highly accomplished individuals to his coaching staff: former Alabama football national champion O.J. Howard and Super Bowl champion Michael Carroll. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the Tigers’ program by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and experience these two bring to the table. As the program looks to make waves in the 2025 season and beyond, the hiring of Howard and Carroll brings an infusion of championship pedigree and a fresh perspective to West Alabama football.
Scott Cochran’s Vision for West Alabama Football
Scott Cochran’s journey to becoming the head coach at West Alabama in 2025 is rooted in a long and successful career in college football. Known for his exceptional work as the strength and conditioning coach at the University of Alabama, Cochran helped develop some of the most physically prepared athletes in college football history. His tenure at Alabama, spanning over a decade, saw the program win multiple national championships under head coach Nick Saban.
With a reputation for hard-nosed, no-nonsense coaching, Cochran brings a relentless commitment to excellence to West Alabama. His vision for the Tigers program focuses on fostering a winning culture, developing athletes both physically and mentally, and building a championship-caliber team that can compete at the highest level. Cochran understands the importance of leadership, discipline, and resilience, qualities he seeks to instill in his players as he works to elevate the program.
Cochran’s decision to bring in O.J. Howard and Michael Carroll speaks volumes about his commitment to creating a team with the necessary experience and mindset to compete at a national level. Both players, having achieved success at the highest levels of college and professional football, will play key roles in shaping the future of the program.
O.J. Howard: From National Champion to Coach
O.J. Howard, the former Alabama tight end and national champion, is arguably one of the most talented players to come out of the University of Alabama in recent years. A highly regarded recruit out of high school, Howard came to Alabama as a five-star prospect with immense potential. During his college career from 2013 to 2016, he became a central figure in Alabama’s offense, known for his exceptional blocking and pass-catching abilities.
Howard’s most memorable performance came during the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where he played a key role in Alabama’s victory over Clemson. In that game, Howard recorded five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns, earning the game’s offensive MVP award. His dynamic ability as a pass-catching tight end was a game-changer for Alabama’s offense, and it helped him solidify his place as one of the top tight ends in college football history.
After his collegiate success, Howard was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He would go on to enjoy a successful NFL career, including winning a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2020. Howard’s NFL journey also included stints with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. His versatility, size (6’6″, 251 pounds), and ability to stretch the field made him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Now, as he transitions into coaching, Howard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to West Alabama. His background as a player in both college and the NFL gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. His role with West Alabama will be to mentor the team’s tight ends and assist with offensive game planning, where his deep understanding of the position can be invaluable to developing the next generation of tight ends.
Howard’s commitment to helping players develop not only their on-field skills but also their mental toughness is a crucial component of Cochran’s strategy. His experience in big-game situations will undoubtedly help West Alabama’s players learn to perform under pressure, a quality essential for any championship team.
Michael Carroll: Super Bowl Champion and Offensive Line Mentor
Michael Carroll’s addition to the West Alabama coaching staff brings another layer of experience and expertise, particularly in the trenches. Carroll, a former offensive lineman at Alabama, was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s success during his time in Tuscaloosa. A 6’5”, 310-pound force on the field, Carroll was known for his physicality and ability to dominate defenders, qualities that helped Alabama win numerous SEC titles and a national championship during his tenure.
Carroll’s professional career saw him play for several NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, with whom he won Super Bowl XLIV. As a Super Bowl champion, Carroll knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success, both individually and as part of a team. He spent several seasons as a starting offensive lineman in the NFL, where he honed his craft and learned from some of the best in the business.
His transition from player to coach comes with the goal of sharing his extensive knowledge of offensive line play with the next generation of athletes. Carroll will serve as the offensive line coach at West Alabama, working directly with the Tigers’ big men in the trenches. His deep understanding of both the physical and mental aspects of offensive line play will help shape a unit capable of controlling the line of scrimmage and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Carroll’s experience as a Super Bowl champion adds credibility to his coaching philosophy. His players will undoubtedly benefit from his knowledge of the intricacies of offensive line play, as well as his leadership skills and understanding of what it takes to be part of a championship team. Under his tutelage, West Alabama’s offensive line should see significant improvements, particularly in terms of technique, toughness, and mental discipline.
Impact on West Alabama Football
The addition of O.J. Howard and Michael Carroll to the West Alabama staff is a significant step forward for the program. With both coaches bringing championship experience, they will play pivotal roles in elevating the Tigers’ football program to new heights. Their influence will be felt not only on the field but also in the development of the players’ mindset, discipline, and approach to the game.
One of the most notable aspects of both Howard and Carroll’s careers is their experience in high-pressure situations. Both players have been in the spotlight in championship games, and their ability to perform under duress is something they can instill in their players at West Alabama. For Cochran, this is an essential ingredient in building a winning program—a mindset that emphasizes resilience, focus, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Beyond their on-field coaching roles, Howard and Carroll’s presence will also be a tremendous asset in recruiting. Having played at the highest levels of football, both coaches offer a wealth of knowledge that can be a huge selling point to high school recruits looking to make an impact at the collegiate level. They bring an aura of success that could be a key differentiator in attracting top-tier talent to West Alabama.
The combination of Cochran’s leadership, Howard’s offensive ingenuity, and Carroll’s expertise in the trenches sets the stage for a bright future for the Tigers. As the 2025 season approaches, the expectation is that West Alabama will be a more competitive force in their conference, with the potential to make a deep run in postseason play.