Alabama head coach Nate Oats on North Carolina rumors: ‘I’m not looking to leave’
By JAMES MADDEN
CHICAGO – Alabama head coach Nate Oats has quickly become one of the most prominent names in college basketball, as he’s led the Tide to success and heights its program had never seen before. A No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament and set to play Michigan on Friday, Oats was asked about his name being involved in ongoing rumors about the North Carolina coaching vacancy on Thursday.
“If you’ve gotten to know me, I’m not a guy that’s always trying to jump around,” Oats said Thursday. “I love Alabama, my girls love Alabama. As long as we’re able to compete to win championships here, I’d love to be the coach to bring us our first national championship. To me, there’s absolutely no reason to leave here.”
Oats mentioned that Alabama is the only program in the last two NCAA Tournaments to reach a Final Four and Elite Eight in consecutive years, saying that the Tide are as much of a title contender as anyone.
He was asked about his previous contract extension he signed during his team’s Final Four run in 2024 and if a similar plan is in place.
“The contract they gave me was pretty good,” he said with a laugh. “I’m a glorified P.E. teacher making too much money.”
Oats reiterated that he isn’t going anywhere and isn’t in any rush to restructure or extend his contract.
Since the firing of Hubert Davis at North Carolina, names mentioned as potential candidates include Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger, Oats and more.
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