Nate Oats’s name has long been thrown around in national coaching search conversations as blue-blood programs developed openings. Yet, Alabama has been clear in its desire to retain Oats, extending him twice heading into his fifth season.
On Friday night, the Tide did it again.
Athletic director Greg Byrne announced on social media that Oats has signed a new contract subject to approval from the Board of Trustees. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported that Oats’s deal will place him in the top five of men’s college basketball coaching salaries.
It’s a boon to stability in Tuscaloosa as the Tide has developed into a premier Southeastern Conference program and a consistent threat in March under Oats.
Oats had produced a 113-52 record in five seasons with two conference regular season titles and two tournament wins (2021 and 2023). Oats has made the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons, and likely a fourth, reaching the Sweet 16 twice.
Alabama has maintained success after losing four starters and three assistant coaches from the 2023 team — arguably the best in school history – posting a 21-10 overall record and earning the three-seed in the conference tournament.
Oats has been a slam dunk hire for Byrne and the Tide after coming from Buffalo. He’s developed multiple first-round draft picks and reinvigorated a program with offensive efficiency and “blue-collar” defense. He was given his first extension in the 2021 season, then another last February, raising his yearly compensation to $4.5 million, per USA Today’s database of coach salaries.
Oats ranked 10th this season in salary and third in the SEC behind Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes. The buyout of his old contract amounted to $25.3 million, a figure likely to increase at a UA board meeting on Monday. By comparison, the fifth-highest-paid coach was Barnes, who earned $5.7 million annually.
“We are excited about the success of our men’s basketball program and Nate’s continued commitment to the University. We look forward to him leading our men’s basketball program for many years to come,” Byrne posted on social media.
While Alabama fans eagerly await plans for a new arena, Byrne has discussed this season making improvements to Coleman Coliseum. The facility houses Tide men’s and women’s basketball and gymnastics and the smaller-scale improvements are likely part of what convinced Oats to stay in Tuscaloosa.
Oats has never lost (10-0) an SEC tournament game in Nashville, Tennessee, where the Tide take the court at 8:30 p.m. against Florida to start its postseason.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com.
