Scott Cochran Adds Another Crimson Tide Product to West Alabama Staff: Roll Call

Scott Cochran, one of the most recognizable names in college football strength and conditioning, continues to carve out his legacy beyond Alabama’s storied football program. Known for his high-energy leadership, Cochran has spent years helping players transform their bodies and minds, and now, he’s extending that influence to the West Alabama region. His recent addition of another former Crimson Tide product to his staff is more than just a hiring decision—it’s a statement about the growth, vision, and sustained excellence of the West Alabama football program.

Since joining the West Alabama Tigers as head coach, Cochran has been determined to build a program that thrives not just on talent but on discipline, toughness, and preparation—the hallmarks of his tenure under Nick Saban at Alabama. In the process, he has slowly reshaped the staff and roster, bringing with him individuals who understand the culture of winning and excellence that defined Alabama’s dominance during his time there. His latest hire—former Alabama player—adds another layer of success and reinforces Cochran’s philosophy that the right people, with the right mindset, will create a winning environment.

This article takes a deep dive into the latest hiring decision, examining the impact of the new addition, why Cochran continues to emphasize Alabama football ties, and how these moves contribute to the growing stature of West Alabama’s football program.

Cochran’s Background and Transition to West Alabama

Before discussing his recent staff moves, it’s important to revisit how Scott Cochran made his mark in the world of college football.

For over a decade, Cochran was a key fixture at Alabama, where he was part of the program’s dominant run under Nick Saban. Serving as the head strength and conditioning coach for Alabama from 2004 until 2020, Cochran became widely recognized for his intensity and ability to push players to their physical limits. He was the man behind many of the program’s top athletes, helping shape future NFL stars and national champions, including players like Derrick Henry, Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Cochran’s work ethic, enthusiasm, and unrelenting focus on getting the best out of his players were critical in Alabama’s sustained excellence. He was also known for creating a distinctive, almost cult-like atmosphere in the weight room, a place where success was non-negotiable.

In 2020, Cochran made the decision to transition out of Alabama’s strength and conditioning program to become the special teams coordinator at the University of Georgia. Although this was seen as a bit of a surprise at the time, Cochran brought his energetic leadership and high standards to Athens. However, after a couple of years in Georgia, Cochran realized that his true calling was to lead a program. In 2022, he became the head coach at West Alabama, eager to recreate the championship-winning culture he had helped build in Tuscaloosa.

At West Alabama, Cochran’s mission has been to lay the foundation for a program that can challenge for national titles. While his focus on the weight room and physical preparation is well-known, Cochran’s long-term vision encompasses a broader approach: creating a culture of excellence that extends well beyond strength training.

The Latest Addition to Cochran’s Staff

In his latest move, Cochran has added another Alabama football product to the West Alabama coaching staff: Jovon Robinson, a former Alabama running back and special teams player. Robinson’s hiring is a significant step in Cochran’s goal of making the West Alabama football program a force to be reckoned with.

Who is Jovon Robinson?

Robinson, who was a standout player for the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring to Auburn University, is no stranger to high-level football. Though his college career had some ups and downs, including a brief suspension and transfer, Robinson’s athleticism and understanding of football at the highest level have never been in question.

After his time at Auburn, Robinson moved on to pursue a career in professional football. His time as a player in various leagues, along with his experiences at both Alabama and Auburn, provide him with a unique perspective that will undoubtedly help him as a coach at West Alabama. Known for his work ethic, ability to inspire players, and his understanding of the ins and outs of college football, Robinson brings both personal experience and valuable insight to Cochran’s staff.

As the new running backs coach at West Alabama, Robinson will work closely with the team’s offensive unit, helping develop young talent and ensure that the running game remains a strength for the Tigers. His past experience as a player under high-pressure systems like those at Alabama and Auburn will help guide his coaching decisions, and Cochran is no doubt excited to have him on board.

Why Alabama Ties Matter

Cochran’s decision to continue bringing in former Alabama football players to West Alabama is not coincidental. The relationship between Alabama football and West Alabama has always been one of mutual respect, and Cochran’s decision to lean heavily on former players is a way to ensure that the culture of excellence he built at Alabama continues to thrive.

When it comes to coaching, the best way to instill a winning mindset in players is to surround them with individuals who have been through the grind, who understand the pressure of competing at the highest level, and who can teach the small details that make all the difference in winning or losing. By hiring former Alabama players like Robinson, Cochran is ensuring that the next generation of players at West Alabama is learning from coaches who have seen success at the highest level.

The ties between Cochran’s staff and Alabama football run deeper than just alumni. Nick Saban’s influence continues to permeate college football, and Cochran’s approach to hiring staff members with Alabama backgrounds ensures that the program maintains the same high standards of discipline, physicality, and mental toughness that have defined the Crimson Tide under Saban.

Moreover, former Alabama players are well-versed in the competitive landscape of the SEC, and their insight is invaluable when recruiting new talent. For West Alabama, having staff members with this pedigree is not just a recruiting tool, but also a way to raise the overall level of competition and performance on the field.

Building a Winning Program

With his recent staff additions, Cochran is building a football program at West Alabama that is reflective of his core values: hard work, discipline, mental toughness, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Adding Jovon Robinson is not just about filling a coaching position—it’s about instilling the Alabama mindset into the next generation of football players.

Here’s a closer look at how Cochran’s vision for the program is coming together:

1. Developing Player Potential

Cochran’s approach to coaching goes far beyond just game day tactics. His strength and conditioning background gives him a unique ability to help players maximize their physical potential. Players under his tutelage will experience unparalleled development in the weight room, ensuring that they are not only strong but also in peak physical condition.

For Robinson, his role as a running backs coach means he’ll play a significant part in developing West Alabama’s offensive identity. The Tigers have a rich history of successful running backs, and Robinson will have the opportunity to develop the next wave of talent in the backfield.

2. Recruiting with a Championship Mentality

With Cochran’s connections to Alabama, he brings with him a vast network of recruits and contacts. West Alabama will be able to tap into this network, providing the program with access to top-tier talent that may have previously been out of reach. Players who have been in the Alabama system, like Robinson, can also help bridge the gap in recruiting, as they understand the caliber of athlete needed to compete at the highest levels.

By establishing strong relationships with local high schools and regional players, Cochran’s staff can help elevate West Alabama’s recruiting efforts and bring in the kinds of athletes who will thrive in his system.

3. Culture of Accountability and Toughness

The most important part of Cochran’s philosophy is the mental toughness and accountability that comes with playing at Alabama. It’s not just about physicality, but about the ability to perform under pressure and always be ready for what comes next.

As a coach, Cochran doesn’t just focus on what happens on the field; he emphasizes how players prepare for every aspect of football—from film study to preparation to their approach in practice. Robinson’s hiring continues this emphasis on the mental aspect of the game and the need for players to show up ready to work, every single day.

 The Path Forward

Scott Cochran’s hiring of Jovon Robinson and his continued emphasis on bringing former Alabama players to his staff is a clear sign that West Alabama is on the rise. Cochran’s ultimate goal is to build a program that can consistently compete at the highest level, and the addition of former Crimson Tide stars to his staff only strengthens that vision.

With the right leadership in place, including Cochran’s high standards and Robinson’s experience, West Alabama is set to not only compete in the Gulf South Conference but to become a program that demands respect on the national stage. Cochran’s background in elite college football programs, paired with Robinson’s unique perspective as an Alabama and Auburn player, will give the Tigers the tools they need to succeed.

As the 2025 season draws near, all eyes will be on West Alabama to see how this new chapter in the program’s history unfolds. If Cochran’s previous success at Alabama is any indication, West Alabama football is headed in a very exciting direction.