Sports lawyer Cornwell hired by NFL Coaches Assn.

The NFL Coaches Association has hired sports lawyer David Cornwell as its executive director.

Cornwell has represented both the NFL and the union as well as several prominent NFL players, including Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He also was a candidate to become executive director of the NFL Players Association in 2009, a job that went to DeMaurice Smith.

Jimmy Raye, president of the association, says Cornwell's hiring Tuesday comes at a time when the NFL is beginning a period of "unprecedented opportunities" and his "experience and relationships will enable the coaches' boat to rise with the tide."