Former Crimson Tide star OJ Howard accepts job at West Alabama as Director of Player Development

Former Crimson Tide star tight end OJ Howard has accepted a coaching job with West Alabama, the school announced on Tuesday. Howard will serve as the Director of Player Development as he steps away from the playing field.

There is a connection between Howard and the program. West Alabama recently hired Scott Cochran to be their head coach, Alabama’s former strength and conditioning coach. After spending some time together in Tuscaloosa, they will now help build up the Tigers.

“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. has excelled at every level of football. I can’t wait to get him here and around the group that we have.”

Howard was most well-known for performing during Alabama’s biggest games, specifically the national championship. Only twice did Howard break the 100-yard mark in his career and both came against Clemson.

His five receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns were enough to help win the Crimson Tide the College Football Playoff. And despite a losing effort the following year, Howard still had 106 yards and a touchdown on four catches.

After a successful career at Alabama, Howard was picked in the first round and 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That allowed for his fifth-year option to eventually be picked up and paid off in a big way. Howard was a part of the Super Bowl-winning team despite not playing in the game itself against Kanas City.

In total with Tampa Bay, Howard recorded 119 catches for 1,737 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season. Two playoff catches did come in 2021 for a total of 10 yards — coming against Philadelphia in the Wild Card round and then the following week against Los Angeles.

Howard was not a part of an NFL franchise during the 2024 season, last being on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in 2023. Houston was the last team to have him on the game-day roster the previous year where he scored two touchdowns in the season opener.

Now, a new beginning appears to be upon Howard. He will work alongside Cochran as a key member to putting together West Alabama.