National Champion Winning TE Joining Scott Cochran’s Staff

Scott Cochran continues to add former Crimson Tide legends to his staff at the University of West Alabama, with four former Crimson Tide players already on his coaching staff.

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Cochran added another former Crimson Tide champion to his staff, with OJ Howard being named as the director of player development according to the university.

"We're thrilled to welcome another Alabama Football legend and NFL Champion, O.J. Howard," Coach Cochran said in a release. "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."

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

During his time at Alabama, Howard caught 114 passes for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was named the MVP of Alabama's 45-40 victory over Clemson in the 2016 College Football Playoff national championship, catching five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Crimson Tide's victory over the Tigers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Howard No. 19 overall in the 2017 NFL draft.

Howard spent six seasons in the NFL and five of those with the Buccaneers. His final season came in 2022 with the Houston Texans. During his time in the NFL, Howard caught 129 passes for 1,882 yards and 17 touchdowns.

He now joins former Alabama teammates Blake Sims and Ronnie Clark as members of Cochran's staff, with Damion Square and Thomas Fletcher also former Alabama players on the University of West Alabama staff.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.