Nate Oats acknowledges NBA ‘intrigue,’ explains why he’s happy at Alabama
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Nate Oats is a popular man these days. The Alabama head coach is frequently mentioned as an option for available jobs, both in college and in the NBA, due to his success in Tuscaloosa.
Oats recently appeared on the College Hoops Today Podcast and was asked about possible NBA interest.
“The NBA intrigues me for sure,” Oats said. “Training camps open up this week in the NBA, and our staff is going to split up around the country and learn different concepts and bring them back. But I’ve got three daughters. I think the college coaching lifestyle makes it more conducive to being a good father. You’re not on the road like you are all the time in the NBA. I’m happy where I am right now. We love it at Alabama. I’m going to continue to study the NBA, but we love it here right now.”
Oats led the Crimson Tide to their 1st Final Four in school history during the 2023-24 season. Overall, Oats has a 117-54 record at the helm in Tuscaloosa. The Tide have made the NCAA Tournament in 4 of Oats’ 5 seasons.
Prior to coaching at Alabama, Oats led the Buffalo Bulls. The MAC school went to the NCAA Tournament in 3 of Oats’ 4 seasons at the helm before the coach departed for Tuscaloosa.
The Tide have big expectations once again for the 2024-25 season. Coming off of a Final Four run, the team will tip off the 2024-25 season against UNC Asheville on Nov. 4. The Tide will raise their Final Four banner on October 11.
[H/T FanDuel]
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
