Report: Florida assistant, former Alabama snapper Thomas Fletcher to join Scott Cochran's West Alabama staff

As Scott Cochran takes over West Alabama, he’s bringing a familiar face, as Florida special teams assistant and former Alabama long-snapper Thomas Fletcher will join him with the Tigers as their new special teams coordinator, FOX’s Bruce Feldman announced on Friday.

“SOURCE: Florida special teams assistant Thomas Fletcher is expected to become the special teams coordinator at West Alabama,” Feldman posted on X. “Fletcher was a four-year starter at long-snapper at Alabama, where new West Alabama coach Scott Cochran had been the head strength coach.”

As Feldman alluded to, the former Alabama and Georgia assistant in Cochran had a pre-existing relationship with Fletcher from their time together in Tuscaloosa, and now the former long-snapper has decided to follow his ex-coach on his latest venture.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of West Alabama football program as head coach,” Cochran said, via press release regarding his new gig at West Alabama. “UWA has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, dedicated staff, and passionate community to continue that legacy. Together, we will strive for greatness and make our supporters proud.”

Moreover, Cochran spent time at both LSU and Alabama before eventually moving to Georgia to join Kirby Smart‘s staff. While with Smart, Cochran branched out and became a position coach, working with the special teams unit.

Moving forward, Cochran is taking over the head coaching position after previous coach Brett Gilliland vacated the post to take the program’s athletics director job. Gilliland also chimed in on Cochran’s hire.

“Scott Cochran’s passion for the game, along with his ability to connect with players and his commitment to developing student-athletes as individuals, all align with the values of our program,” Gilliland said.

“We are confident that his guidance will allow UWA Football to continue to foster a winning culture both on and off the field. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our team and our community.”

— On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this article.