Alabama’s Nate Oats agrees to new long-term contract extension

Alabama head coach Nate Oats coaches his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee, Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats has agreed to a new long-term contract extension.

Athletic Director Greg Byrne announced the new deal on X Friday. Byrne said it will go before the Board of Trustees for approval next week.

While the details of the new deal were not immediately disclosed, sources tell ESPN that it will make Oats one of the five highest-paid college coaches in the country.

“We are excited about the success of our men’s basketball program and Nate’s commitment to the University,” said Byrne. “We look forward to him leading our men’s basketball program for many years to come.”

Oats arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2019. Since then, he has led the Tide to two SEC regular season championships and two SEC tournament title.

The Alabama men’s basketball team has made three straight appearances in the NCAA tournament since 2021, including earning a No. 1 overall seed in 2023.