Nate Oats shoots down Michigan speculation: ‘I will not be in maize and blue’
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Nate Oats is shooting down any chatter of taking the Michigan job.
During an appearance on ESPN Radio, the Alabama coach was asked about the opening in Ann Arbor. Dusty May, the coach of the 2026 national champions, recently took the Dallas Mavericks job, leaving U-M.
The timing of May’s departure put Michigan in a difficult position at this stage of the offseason. The program opted to name Mike Boynton the interim head coach for 2026-27.
“I’ve known Warde Manuel for a while, but they’ve got a coach,” Oats told ESPN Radio. “I’m very happy with where I’m at in Alabama. I’ve got a pretty hefty buyout for a good reason, because I don’t plan on leaving here.”
"I will not be in maize and blue." @AlabamaMBB head coach @nate_oats shoots down the idea that he'd have interest in the Michigan head coaching job with @amberwsports and @Ianfitzespn. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/zQqswQR3iU
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) June 26, 2026
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Oats wished Boynton well, and firmly stated he’s not in the mix for the full-time job.
“Hopefully, Coach Boynton does really well this year,” Oats said. “I think the plan is he’s there for the year, at a minimum. I think they’re pretty well set going into this year. I think it would be a smart move with the roster they’ve got together to keep some continuity there. I will not be in maize and blue, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Oats has led the Alabama basketball team since 2019. He has taken the Crimson Tide to the NCAA Tournament every year it has been held during his tenure, with UA reaching the Final Four in 2024. Oats has a 170-73 record at Alabama, with an 87-38 mark in conference play.
Alabama swept the SEC regular-season and tournament titles in 2021 and ’23. Oats was SEC Coach of the Year in 2021.
[H/T Mike Rodak]
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
