The Alabama Crimson Tide have hired Buffalo Bulls head coach Nate Oats for the same position. The decision came after the program and former head coach Avery Johnson decided to mutually part ways and agreed to a buyout. Oats first job will to be to try an convince a handful of Alabama players not to transfer from the program.
Thrilled to welcome @nate_oats to @AlabamaMBB! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/vo8YRUXPg3
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) March 27, 2019
Nate Oats inherited the Buffalo Bills coaching job after Arizona State hire Bobby Hurley away from the program in 2015. Oats has coached the Buffalo Bulls to some of their best seasons including three NCAA Tournament appearances. The head coach was also named MAC coach of the year two times in four seasons. Oats also won the MAC Tournament Championship three times.
The new Alabama Crimson Tide head coach is 97-43 overall as a head coach with the Buffalo Bulls. Nate Oats will be tasked with trying to convince four different players to stay with the program. Kira Lewis, Dazon Ingram, John Petty, and Daniel Giddens have all entered the transfer portal.
Oh, boy. Alabama already has Kira Lewis and Dazon Ingram in the transfer portal. Now John Petty and Daniel Giddens have joined them, sources told @Stadium
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 27, 2019
This is considered a fantastic hire by the Alabama Crimson Tide after the departure of Avery Johnson. Buffalo finds themselves in a similar situation looking for another head coach after a power five school came calling for theirs. The mid-major program will be on the lookout for a promising up and comer again to maintain their momentum. The NCAA coaching carousel continues to thrill and exited the college basketball world. Alabama will look to further its success in a tough SEC with Nate Oats.
