Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats agreed to an extension of the contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, the school announced on Thursday.
Oats also received a $ 3.225 million annual salary increase.
“We feel that we have a good time with our team and that the program is in the right direction,” said Oats. “Our administration is making an important statement with this extension, as we all work on building a successful long-term program. I know the winning story we had with Alabama basketball and I feel we can add to that and make great things here.
“… This is really a reflection of the excellent work that our players, coaches and basketball team have been doing for the past two years. Now we need all our focus to finish this season right and give our team the best chance of success in the final stretch. “
Oats has Alabama at the top of the SEC standings, with 17-5 overall and 12-1 at the conference, entering Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Crimson Tide came in 8th place in this week’s AP vote and is currently projected as a 2-seed in the NCAA tournament.
Tide had a 10-game winning streak earlier this season.
Athletic director Greg Byrne hired Oats to replace Avery Johnson after the 2018-19 season. Oats spent the previous four years in Buffalo, taking the Bulls to three NCAA tournaments and two wins in the first round.
“We had high expectations when we signed Coach Oats,” said Byrne. “He has exceeded those expectations and we want to ensure that he is paid within the upper half of the SEC. We have implemented purchase measures that show the long-term commitment between the two parties.
“Coach Oats and his team developed a comprehensive program that maximized the experience of our student-athlete, significantly increased interest in Alabama basketball with future recruits, and presented a product that excited our fan base.”
Alabama made 16-15 in Oats’ first season in charge.