Nate Oats addresses UNC rumors, revealing discussions about a contract extension and his commitment to winning an Alabama national championship.
Both Alabama head coach Nate Oats and Michigan head coach Dusty May have been tied to North Carolina after the Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis this week.
Oats has been with the Crimson Tide since 2019, leading the program to a Final Four appearance in 2024.
On Thursday, Oats praised Alabama for giving him the resources he needs to make the program competitive. He hopes to lead the Crimson Tide to a national title.
"They're doing everything they can to make sure that we've got a competitive program," Oats said.
"And as long as we're able to compete to win championships here, SEC -- national championships, we haven't done that here yet -- I'd love to be the coach to bring us our first national championship. We got to a Final Four. To me, there's absolutely no reason to leave here."
Oats, 51, went 96–43 during his four seasons at Buffalo, leading the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances. He's gone 170–72 at Alabama, leading the program to six NCAA Tournament appearances in seven seasons.
Otes made a striking comment about his future with the Crimson Tide, suggesting a contract extension could be close amid the team's Sweet 16 appearance.
"I don't have an (Alabama) offer in hand, but we've had some discussions, and it's probably getting close," Oats said. "We'll see where it takes us. I'm, I feel like I'm probably too honest with everybody...
"I'm probably too honest with the administration. I'm not looking to leave. They don't need to be in a huge rush to fix a really good contract that I've got right now."
Still, North Carolina appears ready to pay big-time cash to a proven winner this spring. Otes would certainly be a strong hire for the Tar Heels.
Alabama would be wise to try and extend the contract of Otes as soon as they can before UNC makes an offer that would be hard for its head coach to refuse.