Nate Oats had 'serious interest' in open Kentucky job before 'boosters stepped up'

Alabama fans can rest assured that Nate Oats isn’t leaving Tuscaloosa after his announcement on Monday. However, that isn’t due to a lack of interest in the open Kentucky job.

According to the Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, Oats had “serious interest” in the Kentucky job. Tucker reports that Oats has a good thing going at Alabama, and some of the Crimson Tide’s “boosters stepped up in a big way to make sure he need not look elsewhere.”

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After it was revealed that Arkansas was closing in on signing Kentucky’s John Calipari to a five-year contract, Oats’ name was one of the names on every fan’s list to be Calipari’s successor. However, that’s no longer the case and Oats is set to remain in Tuscaloosa for the foreseeable future.

Oats confirmed that he’s staying put shortly before the national championship game tipped off on Monday night.

“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.

Athletic director Greg Byrne effectively ended all rumors with a follow-up statement as well.

“We’re committed to supporting Nate Oats as he continues to lead Alabama men’s basketball in its pursuit of a national championship and encourage our fans to be a part of that by supporting Yea Alabama,” Byrne’s statement read. “I know I’ve said this before but want to reiterate how important this is with the changing landscape in college athletics.

“Nate and I talk regularly about the priorities of the program and NIL is at the forefront, as is a day-to-day development space for our team, which we are taking steps to address as we speak. We appreciate your support through Year Alabama and look forward to celebrating more championships in the year to come.”

Oats most recently led Alabama to its first Final Four in program history. Now that he’s set to be the Crimson Tide’s head coach for the foreseeable future, it’s clear he has the backing of the athletic department and boosters behind the scenes.