Nick Saban has kept one of his key assets in Tuscaloosa for the foreseeable future.

Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran is staying at Alabama, the school announced Monday. There were reports Georgia coach and former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was hoping to lure Cochran away from Tuscaloosa, where Cochran has been the strength and conditioning coach since 2007.

“I’m very happy that Scott Cochran will continue to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Nick Saban said in a press release. “He’s an important part of our program and does an outstanding job. The players really respond to him, and his role has been a big part of what we have been able to accomplish in terms of our success here both on and off the field.

The Crimson Tide are known for being able to punish opponents with their brute strength on both offensive and defensive lines and with bruising running backs. Not to mention the fact Alabama always seems to have that last little push to defeat opponents in the fourth quarter — if they happen to be in a close game.

He has clearly endeared himself to fans as many are calling this one of Saban’s biggest recruiting wins in keeping Cochran from jumping to Georgia with Smart and noting how important he is to the program.

Cochran certainly is a big part of building that strength as the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Keeping him is truly helping Alabama keep a major edge it has on the rest of the conference.

“I appreciate everything The University of Alabama has done for me and my family during our nine years here,” Cochran said. “It’s a privilege and an honor to work at such a special place. What makes it so special are the people here and all of the fans who support the Crimson Tide. I’m just fired up to be a part of this program and helping to continue the success we’ve had. I’m grateful for the chance to work with our players each day, and that’s what this is really about. Coach Saban has been great to us, and I want to thank him for all the opportunities he has given us. Roll Tide!”