Since it was revealed Sunday evening that the Arkansas Razorbacks were likely to sign former Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari, rumors have circulated regarding who would succeed him.
Nate Oats, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, was one name that came up repeatedly. Oats, who recently led his team to the Final Four for the first time in school history, was the most talked-about candidate in college basketball circles as the Wildcats’ next coach.
Even ESPN’s Paul Finebaum suggested Oats as a name to keep an eye on in the job search.
Finebaum stated this regarding the situation. Monday morning, he spoke on a Birmingham, Alabama radio station about his thoughts on the matter.
“I think Nate Oats is the one on everyone’s list,” Paul Finebaum stated. “The two best coaches in the country, in my opinion, are [Dan] Hurley and Nate Oats. Tonight, one will compete for the national championship. I don’t know Nate Oats’ precise contract, but what is it? About $20 million, or something like that?
Oats put all the rumors to rest Monday evening by announcing on social media that he will be staying in Tuscaloosa.
Many wondered whether Oats would listen if Kentucky called. And apparently if they did, he’s not interested.
Oats has one of the best recruiting classes in the country coming in next season, and he recently inked a massive extension that makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in the game, not to mention his $18 million buyout clause. So it obviously makes sense for him to remain in Tuscaloosa.
