Reggie Ragland’s appointment as the Director of Player Personnel at the University of West Alabama (UWA) marks a significant milestone in his transition from player to coach.
This move has been met with enthusiasm from fans and the football community, celebrating Ragland’s achievements and the potential impact he will have on the UWA football program.
Reggie Ragland Joins West Alabama Staff Under Scott Cochran
Former Alabama football strength coach Scott Cochran continues to build his staff at the University of West Alabama (UWA) with ex-Crimson Tide players. The latest addition is Reggie Ragland, who has been named the Tigers’ Director of Player Personnel, UWA announced Wednesday.
“Reggie Ragland is a proven leader with a championship mentality, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join the UWA family,” Cochran stated. “As a Super Bowl champion and former SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he knows exactly what it takes to compete and win at the highest levels.”
Ragland, set to begin April 1, joins fellow Alabama alums Blake Sims, OJ Howard, and Bo Scarbrough on UWA’s staff. Fans have praised the moves,
“Crazy staff,” a fan said.
Cochran is making West Alabama very attractive. Good move.” another said.
“Appears to be a development opportunity for future Alabama students,” another quipped.
— malcus (@DeberLAbe) March 20, 2025
In his first head coaching role after years at LSU, Alabama, and Georgia, Cochran has assembled a staff rich in Alabama talent. Ragland, a former linebacker, won national titles in 2012 and 2015 with the Crimson Tide before an NFL career from 2016 to 2022.
He recorded 293 tackles and 16 tackles for loss while playing for teams such as the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl with the latter.
“Reggie’s experience, passion for the game, and ability to connect with young athletes will be instrumental in recruiting top talent,” Cochran added.
Super Bowl Champion O.J. Howard Joins West Alabama As Player Development Director
Scott Cochran continues to bolster his West Alabama coaching staff with former Alabama football stars. The latest addition is O.J. Howard, who will serve as the Tigers’ Director of Player Development, UWA announced last week.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another Alabama Football legend and NFL Champion, O.J. Howard,” Cochran said. “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.”
Howard, a five-star recruit out of high school, played four seasons at Alabama, winning three SEC titles and a national championship. As a tight end, he amassed 1,726 receiving yards and seven touchdowns before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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His professional career included 119 receptions for 1,737 yards and 15 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl victory in 2021. West Alabama kicks off its 2025 season against Fort Valley State in Birmingham.
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