- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,265,852
- Reaction score
- 59
The buzz about Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats taking over a blue blood has begun.
"It's not the first time," Oats smirked.
After the firing of North Carolina coach Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels are reportedly exploring Oats, who is in his seventh year with the Crimson Tide, as a candidate to repair the program that boasts six NCAA Tournament championships.
But when Oats was asked about the rumors on Thursday, March 26, he expressed that he is looking to bloom where he is planted.
"I'm not a guy that's always trying to jump around," Oats said. "The grass isn't always greener."
WHAT TO KNOW: What is Nate Oats' salary as Alabama basketball coach after Final Four? How it ranks nationally
REQUIRED READING: How Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats fashions flashy plaid jackets into sideline style
Davis compiled a record of 125-54 over five seasons in Chapel Hill. His tenure included an appearance in the national title game to highlight his first year with the program.
Under Oats, Alabama has made six consecutive appearances in March Madness, tying a program record. With a second round win over Texas Tech on Sunday, March 22, the No. 4 seed Crimson Tide punched a Sweet 16 for the fourth time in a row.
"I'd love to be the first coach to bring us a national championship..." Oats said.
Oats said it was "flattering" for a former high school coach who has "caught a couple breaks," to be in the conversation, but noted, "I'm not a guy that's looking to get out of here anytime soon."
Oats last received a contract extension in 2024 after leading Alabama to a historic Final Four. He signed a deal that extended him through the year 2030.
For the 2025-26 season, Oats was paid a base salary of $2.755 million, plus supplemental compensation of the same amount. That number increases to $3.01 million for the 2026-27 season.
Should Oats leave before April 1, 2026, his buyout is priced at $18 million.
"I love it here. My girls love it here," Oats continued.
"I haven't talked to anybody, nor do I plan on talking to anybody."
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball's Nate Oats responds to North Carolina job rumors
Continue reading...
"It's not the first time," Oats smirked.
After the firing of North Carolina coach Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels are reportedly exploring Oats, who is in his seventh year with the Crimson Tide, as a candidate to repair the program that boasts six NCAA Tournament championships.
But when Oats was asked about the rumors on Thursday, March 26, he expressed that he is looking to bloom where he is planted.
"I'm not a guy that's always trying to jump around," Oats said. "The grass isn't always greener."
WHAT TO KNOW: What is Nate Oats' salary as Alabama basketball coach after Final Four? How it ranks nationally
REQUIRED READING: How Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats fashions flashy plaid jackets into sideline style
Davis compiled a record of 125-54 over five seasons in Chapel Hill. His tenure included an appearance in the national title game to highlight his first year with the program.
Under Oats, Alabama has made six consecutive appearances in March Madness, tying a program record. With a second round win over Texas Tech on Sunday, March 22, the No. 4 seed Crimson Tide punched a Sweet 16 for the fourth time in a row.
"I'd love to be the first coach to bring us a national championship..." Oats said.
Oats said it was "flattering" for a former high school coach who has "caught a couple breaks," to be in the conversation, but noted, "I'm not a guy that's looking to get out of here anytime soon."
When did Nate Oats sign last Alabama basketball contract?
Oats last received a contract extension in 2024 after leading Alabama to a historic Final Four. He signed a deal that extended him through the year 2030.
For the 2025-26 season, Oats was paid a base salary of $2.755 million, plus supplemental compensation of the same amount. That number increases to $3.01 million for the 2026-27 season.
Should Oats leave before April 1, 2026, his buyout is priced at $18 million.
"I love it here. My girls love it here," Oats continued.
"I haven't talked to anybody, nor do I plan on talking to anybody."
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball's Nate Oats responds to North Carolina job rumors
Continue reading...
