LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama Department of Athletics and head coach Will Hall announce the hiring of Brett Watson and Mike McCarty for the 2012 football campaign. Watson and McCarty start their positions at UWA effective immediately.

Watson, a Perryton, Texas, native, joins the Tiger staff after serving as the defensive line coach at West Texas A&M for the last two seasons. Watson concluded his third season on staff at his alma mater, where he was a strength and conditioning graduate assistant coach from 2009-2010. A former defensive lineman for the Buffaloes, he registered 21 total tackles, including 6.5 for a loss of yardage, along with 5.5 sacks over his two seasons. Watson completed his bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences in 2009.

“We are excited about adding Brett to our staff,” Hall said. “He is a coach's son and comes from a great program at West Texas A&M. His defensive line was great and won a lot of awards at West Texas A&M. He coaches with a lot of passion and I think he will be a perfect fit here at West Alabama.”

McCarty moves into full-time capacity, coaching the tight ends and Director of Football Operations, after serving in various positions at West Alabama since 2008. A native of Birmingham, Ala., McCarty most recently served as the Tigers' defensive graduate assistant during the 2011 campaign. McCarty has held positions as the quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends coach at his alma mater. He completed his bachelor's degree in Sports Management at UWA in 2008 and is expected completed his Master's degree in Physical Education this upcoming spring. McCarty begin his collegiate playing career at Troy University, lettering two seasons under Larry Blakeney, before transferring and playing for former UWA head coach Bobby Wallace in 2006.

“We are happy to be adding Mike to our staff,” stated Hall. “Last season, he served as our defensive graduate assistant under Coach (Robert) Henry. He's been a part of our program for several years and has worked closely with me in a lot of different aspects. He's held many different duties here with coaching, overseeing our video and has proven to be a good recruiter. Along with coaching, he will also serve as our Director of Football Operations and handle more day-to-day duties in our office.”

Watson and McCarty replace Scott Harper and Adam Federle who left the university earlier this season.