Whoever the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball will be, it apparently won’t be Nate Oats.
Oats announced Monday night that he is staying put at Alabama after his name was linked to the vacancy in Lexington.
“Bama Nation, I am fully committed to this team and to this University,” Oats wrote. “We have already accomplished some great things here, and there is nothing I want more than for The University of Alabama to win its first national championship in men’s basketball. Despite any rumors to the contrary, rest assured that I will continue that pursuit as your head coach. Roll Tide!”
While Oats seemingly ended speculation with his tweet, Kentucky beat writer Kyle Tucker of The Athletic said the Crimson Tide coach had “serious interest” in making the move to Lexington before Alabama boosters stepped in.
“Am told Nate Oats had serious interest in the Kentucky job but has a good thing going in Tuscaloosa and the Bama boosters stepped up in a big way to make sure he need not look elsewhere,” Tucker tweeted.
Translation: sounds like Alabama’s NIL war chest is about to get built up in a big way.
Oats led the Crimson Tide to the program’s first Final Four appearance this season and has taken Alabama to the last four NCAA Tournaments.
Kentucky is looking for a new coach after John Calipari elected to head to Arkansas in a move that stunned the college basketball world over the weekend.