“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.”

O.J. Howard, the former Crimson Tide tight end who was a five-star recruit and won three SEC championships and a national championship in his four seasons at Alabama, was named as West Alabama's director of player development.

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.

Blake Sims was part of two national championship teams and started at quarterback for Alabama football in 2014.

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.

Cochran, who spent 13 seasons as Alabama football's strength and conditioning coach under coach Nick Saban most known for being "Coach Yeah," was named as the new head football coach of West Alabama.

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.