“We’re thrilled to welcome another Alabama Football legend and NFL Champion, O.J. Howard,” Cochran said in a statement. “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.”

The program announced Tuesday that they have hired former Crimson Tide great O.J. Howard to their staff to head up player development for the program.

Howard joins former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims (wide receivers coach), former Crimson Tide defensive back and running back Ronnie Clark (running backs coach) and former Alabama long snapper Scott Fletcher (special teams coordinator) on Cochran's first staff. Howard will join the team April 1.

West Alabama head coach Scott Cochran hasn’t wasted any time rebuilding the Tigers’ football program since being hired in February. The former Alabama strength and conditioning coach has now added former Alabama tight end O.

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks during a press conference after winning the Citi BCS National Championship game over the Texas Longhorns at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. The Crimson Tide defeated the Longhorns 37-21. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Ronnie Clark and Blake Sims join Damion Square and Thomas Fletcher as former Crimson Tide players to be added to Scott Cochran's West Alabama football coaching staff

The Alabama football connections continue as Scott Cochran builds his West Alabama football coaching staff. The West Alabama football program announced Thursday that former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims as its wide receivers coach, and former Crimson Tide defensive back and running back Ronnie Clark as its running backs coach.