Scott Cochran leaves Georgia to “put his mental health and well-being first”

Georgia special teams coordinator Scott Cochran is currently absent from the football schedule with his return unknown to “prioritize his mental health and well-being”.

The Athletic first reported that Cochran was absent from the football schedule at the start of fall camp. After several reports of Cochran’s absence, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart issued the following statement: “Coach Cochran is currently struggling with health issues and is taking the time to prioritize his mental health and fitness. well-being. We fully support him as he takes this time to focus on his well-being.

Cochran is in his second season as Georgia Special Teams coach after 13 seasons as Alabama strength and conditioning coach. Cochran left Alabama in 2020 after wanting to move to a field role, but was unable to do so in Alabama. Cochran has become one of the nation’s highest-paid and best-known strength coaches in Alabama, appearing in commercials and appearing on the sideboards at Bryant-Denny Stadium during games.

Former Florida and South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp is expected to take on a role on the pitch in Cochran’s absence, according to multiple reports. Muschamp joined the program as a senior analyst after South Carolina fired him in 2020.

John Talty is the Sports Writer and SEC Insider for Alabama Media Group. You can follow him on Twitter @JTalty.