First-year Georgia assistant Scott Cochran shares his thoughts on Bulldogs upcoming trip to Alabama
Just when Scott Cochran finally leaves Alabama, he turns around and has to face Nick Saban’s program a month into the season at his new job.
One of the biggest assistant coaching moves in the Southeastern Conference this offseason came when Cochran suddenly left Alabama — in the middle of the program’s fourth-quarter conditioning program, no less — to take over the special teams coordinator role in Athens.
That move, and the timing of it, only intensified the growing rivalry between Georgia and Alabama and should serve as extra motivation for both programs leading up to the Oct. 17 showdown between the two teams in Tuscaloosa.
During his Friday afternoon media availability, Cochran was asked to share his thoughts on his pending return to Alabama.
“I’m just excited,” Cochran said. “I mean, how could you not be? Just having football alone is exciting, but going back (to Alabama) — every game is important — when that time comes, it’s going to be great.”
So what was it that ultimately led to his decision to leave Saban’s program after working for the coach for nearly two decades?
While he wouldn’t get into much specifics, Georgia’s special teams coordinator had this to say about his move.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” Cochran shared. “Timing is everything and, at the time, I felt like I was in a good place. Now, I feel like I’m in a great place! I think timing has everything to do with it and, for me, right now is the time. I’m just excited about [this] opportunity.”
Considering he referenced the opportunity in Athens, Cochran was asked if the fact that Saban wasn’t willing to give him a staff position at Alabama as motivation this offseason?
“I mean, you can use anything for motivation. To me, the question goes deeper,” Cochran added. “I think Coach Saban has my back – I worked for him for 18 years. If the position would have been open there, it probably would have been a possibility.
“For me, I want to work with Coach Smart. I wanted to work with somebody that I see eye-to-eye on with a lot of things and I see the same with Coach Saban, obviously. I wouldn’t be here without him, but with Coach Smart, I feel like there’s a big emphasis on some things that I’m big on.”
I would say Cochran will be no extra motivation at all. Way too much else to worry about for both teams.
I’ll tell you what I’m going to miss in 2020.
UT vs Ga State. Low-tier SEC vs Mid-tier Sunbelt – that is a rivalry in the making.
But at least we still have The SECE Basement Brawl – Vandy vs UT. A lot on the line this year, can UT match Vandy’s recent win streak in the series, who’ll be #2 behind Memphis etc
ESPN make pick up the game for the Thursday 3pm slot.
I’ve heard more in-depth, thoughtful discussion come out of The View.
If anything, write about Cochran’s transition to an on field position or his impact on recruiting. You know, real stuff.
Lolol. He didn’t say very much @ all. Can’t wait to see that game. Should be an absolute war!
You watch The View?
That explains a lot.
Georgia State is Great!
that’s all you got? Impressive.
ok you know I don’t usually play with the trolls this much but got bored today and you are an easy mark. It was fun, sort of. Enjoy your trolling, Toad. Im done.
thanks for letting me know I hit a nerve!
Impact on recruiting, LOL
In his 20 years at Bama he was never involved in recruiting and yet after a few months in Athens he is an ace recruiter. Funny how that works. Similar to the Jamie Newman ordeal, from unknown to world beater to 4th string quitter. Only in Athens
“In his 20 years at Bama he was never involved in recruiting …”
Are you sure of that, is that your final statement? (think about it for a few minutes)
According to some UGA idiots like the one above he was recruiting and a on field coach at Bama..
That would be false but hey, nobody prematurely celebrates like UGA fans…
TheDawgsofWar:
Oops that page doesn’t exist.
I understand that Georgia has had some issues with special teams for a few seasons now. So Smart goes out and gets Cochran who has never been an on-field coach, like ever? He’s gonna need a lot more than that cool voice.
Makes tons of sense. If you have issues with special teams go get yourself a guy that has never coached special teams or any other position group in his career.
But hey at least he is an ace recruiter
One of the biggest assistant moves in the SEC? Uh, no. He’s a new special teams coach. Bama probably upgraded the position with their hires, so it’s no loss for them. Is UGA really better because of this? Why would they be.
Yes they are. Don’t you understand that every move UGA makes is the greatest move in the history of college football and will undoubtedly win them a championship.
The common LSU, Alabama, and Florida fan knows better than Kirby Smart.
You boys are missing the big picture. Cochran was hired as a Special Teams coach, not the OC or DC. All of these players have been playing ST since they were 6 years old. It’s not that complicated.
The key to great special teams is motivation. Can you get your top talent excited about being on special teams. Cochran can motivate like very few can. Also, he’s not going to be teaching the technical aspects of those teams on his own.
You boys just keep wishing out-loud. I have no doubt the Cochran hire will prove to be a good one.
No Timmy the common folk will never be half as smart as Smart( see what I did there). Heck Smart is smarter than any other coach in football, he knows that all you need to win big is assemble a bunch of 5 star kids and just motivate them and all will take care of itself. It may take 1, 2, 3, 4, or 40 seasons but just be patient
Oh you’re a sharp one… I guess at UGA all you need for success is the ability to yell and jump up and down.. Teaching technique is obviously not required… Maybe that’s why UGA hasn’t won a Natty in 40 years…
I mean the players have played and been taught offense and Defense since they were 6 as well… Go ahead and get rid of the DC and OC, UGA obviously doesn’t need them Since the players were taught by their High school coaches…
You got to do better Ole Timmy… Your ignorance is growing..
With Monken and also Cochran, I think the coaching mix in Athens will be exciting. No doubt Cochran was part of Bama’s success over the years, as former players have expressed. Glad he’s with us. With the new football facility, he’ll bring us more credibility and good players. Overall just glad the SEC manned up and proceeded with the season.