Even though his coaching days are over, Cochran continued to have an impact in the sport of basketball.  Following his retirement, Cochran invented the Pop-A-Shot electronic basketball game in 1985 and the Foul Shot Electronic Free Throw Trainer in 1992.  He has invented several versions of the product and has many products currently on the market.  The Pop-A-Shot is also featured in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.  Also, it is estimated that over 52,000 children have learned the fundamentals of basketball through his Heart of America Sports Camps.  He is still known for being "Mr. Basketball in the City of Salina". 

Cochran graduated from Pittsburg State University (Kan.) in 1954 and began his coaching career at a small Kansas high school.  In 1963 Cochran was hired at Kansas Wesleyan as both the basketball and baseball coach.  In seven years he compiled a 111-70 record and then in 1970 went across town to Marymount College and built a men's basketball program from scratch.  Overall, Cochran's 18 year career resulted in a 401-118 record. 

Cochran has received many honors for his accomplishments, including inductions into the NAIA Hall of Fame, Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Kansas Wesleyan University Hall of Fame, and Graceland College Athletic Hall of Fame.