Who would have thought John Beilein’s recent career decision would have any effect on Alabama basketball fans?

If you missed the news, Michigan’s basketball coach is leaving Ann Arbor for the NBA as Beilein will become the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Why is this relevant to Crimson Tide fans? Following the news, many have suggested that Nate Oats would be interested in the now open Michigan head coaching job.

So much so, that Alabama’s recent basketball hire felt compelled to release a statement affirming his commitment to the school’s basketball program.

“We love it at Alabama. Completely focused on our job there and getting our family moved down there. I hope my former assistant at Romulus, Saddi Washington, who’s been with Beilein the longest at Michigan gets a shot at the job. Roll Tide,” Oats said, via Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News.

Based on that comment, Alabama fans have nothing to worry about, but it is interesting to see that the coach even felt it was necessary to address the rumors. That’s not likely something you are going to see from Nick Saban the next time an internet rumor starts floating around about the leader of Alabama’s football program.