Nate Oats comments on assistant Bryan Hodgson becoming head coach at Arkansas State

Nate Oats’ longtime assistant Bryan Hodgson is leaving Alabama to become the next head coach at Arkansas State.

Oats brough Hodgson on board his staff when he was hired as Buffalo‘s head coach in 2015. Hodgson followed Oats to Alabama in 2019 and the two have built the Crimson Tide into a national championship contender in the four seasons since they’ve been in Tuscaloosa.

“I couldn’t be happier for Bryan to earn this tremendous opportunity at Arkansas State. He has been with me every step of the way and is one of the most loyal guys I know,” Oats said about the hiring on Wednesday. “Bryan is not only one of the top recruiters in the country, but he is also a terrific coach who understands the game. He brings a lot of passion and energy in everything he does which has played a big part in our success at the University of Buffalo and the University of Alabama.

“His ability to build great relationships with recruits and their families, players and people from all walks of life will resonate with the community of Jonesboro and re-energize the fan base. Considering his familiarity having worked with Jeff Purinton at Alabama, I think it’s a perfect fit and a terrific hire.”

Hodgson is regarded as one of the top rup-and-coming recruiters in college basketball after playing a pivotal role in securing four-straight top-15 classes since becoming an assistant at Alabama.

On the court, he’s helped coach the Crimson Tide to a 92-41 overall record that has seen Alabama advance to the Sweet 16 in two of the last three seasons. He has coaching experience coaching in six of the last seven NCAA Tournaments and with Alabama’s status as the NCAA Tournament’s top overall seed this season, there’s a real possibility that he will head to Arkansas State with a shiny new toy on his ring finger when he arrives on campus for the first time.

For now, Hodgson will remain with Alabama and coach the team for the entirity of the Crimson Tide’s March Madness run. After advancing to the Sweet 16 following wins against Texas A&M-CC and Maryland, Alabama is fated to meet San Diego State with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Tip-off is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET live on TBS. Alabama has opened as seven-point favorites, per Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 137.