Following the departure of strength and conditioning coaches Jamil Walker and Ed Ellis, the Georgia Bulldogs have reloaded the weight room staff in just about the most unbelievable fashion imaginable.
Scott Cochran, legendary head strength coach at the University of Alabama for upward of a decade, is reported to join the Dawgs’ staff after turning down a 2015 offer to join colleague Kirby Smart in Athens.
Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News was the first to report this story.
Scott Cochran, the longtime strength and conditioning coach for @AlabamaFTBL is expected — barring a last-minute change — to leave UA for an on-field coaching position at Georgia per sources. More to come at @tidesports
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) February 24, 2020
Known for his energy and audible-from-the-nosebleeds pregame hype speeches, Cochran once quipped, prior to 2008’s infamous contest at Georgia, “they’re wearing black because they’re going to their own [expletive deleted] funeral.”
Never forget. “They wearin black cause they goin to a mfkn funeral”
Never change Scott Cochran. Never change. pic.twitter.com/XWpcpwlWbT
— 🅱️🅰️Ⓜ️ (@big__bam) January 4, 2018
Cochran and Smart previously worked together at LSU under Nick Saban before reuniting at Alabama in 2007.
It is worth noting that, following 2019’s coaching turnover, the Bulldogs have one on-field coaching slot remaining. If Cochran is named to a position outside the weight room, it is likely that he would be placed somewhere within Kirby Smart’s elite defensive staff.
Shortly after the news broke, Georgia fans on Twitter exploded with joy.
Here’s a look at Twitter reactions:
— Stephen (@StephenSchumi) February 24, 2020
Many are gonna wonder why Alabama couldn't keep Scott Cochran.
Kirby had:
-a longtime relationship with Cochran
-probably some significant raise
-an on-field spot to offer that Alabama didn't haveDon't tell yourself this is some "Saban can't keep any assistants" thing.
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) February 24, 2020
Double his pay immediately
— Guy on a buffalo (@guyonbuffalo211) February 24, 2020
It sounds like Ryan Fowler & Drew DeArmond are in full panic mode on @Tide1009fm, in regards to Scott Cochran’s departure to Georgia. Ryan says they’re “shell-shocked”. Drew says the program is at a “crossroads”.
— Shutdown Man (@ShutdownMan) February 24, 2020
Well this sucks if it's true.
Scott Cochran, arguably the most important part of Alabama football beyond Nick Saban, wi…https://t.co/coGTlaclMy pic.twitter.com/lQhPMqKT0v
— Crimson&White Patriot (Roll Tide) (@RamJamRTR) February 24, 2020
BAM!!! Scott Cochran!!!
— UGA Football Recruiting (@FieldStForum) February 24, 2020
For all the crying Bama fans, it's not like this Scott Cochran situation is a new thing. Kirby wanted him from the jump. He just had to wait four years.
— Mike ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@michaelcowart44) February 24, 2020
@finebaum Scott Cochran was a contributing factor in Alabama’s Dynasty! But remember he WAS the strength coach, albeit arguably one of nations best! He’s been wanting to leave for several years! #calmdown
— Pat O'Brien (@bamaobie) February 24, 2020
Alabama fans when they hear Cochran is coming to Georgia pic.twitter.com/MiLGxr2tqM
— Evil Kirby Smart (@EvilKirbySmart) February 24, 2020
Hey, coach, I just accepted a job at Georgia. pic.twitter.com/WO9F27Ftga
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) February 24, 2020
welp besides mays, kirby mightve just had a perfect offseason
— eternally sad georgia fan (@alostpickle) February 24, 2020
That’s HUGE! Not only for the S&C program, but his personality and mentorship with the athletes is immeasurable.
— Georgia Bulldogs (@Georgia64098331) February 24, 2020
Kirby wanted him when he left now he gives him a token job to get him there.
— DG (@pmtrk1790) February 24, 2020