Nate Oats Says He's All-In On Crimson Tide Amid Rumors Of Kentucky Job

John Calipari is out of Lexington, and Alabama's Nate Oats is not interested in taking his spot for the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Alabama Crimson Tide coach, who led his team to the program's first Final Four appearance but lost to UConn, released a statement in the aftermath of John Calipari's exit from Kentucky after 15 seasons.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Head coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks during a press conference in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Alysa Rubin/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

OutKick's Trey Wallace covered the breaking news Sunday night, relaying that Calipari agreed to a five-year deal to become Arkansas's next head coach. 

 All eyes are on the coaching vacancy left by Calipari, and Nate Oats is withdrawing his name from any speculation of a move to Kentucky.

Oats posted on X: "Bama Nation, I am fully committed to this team and to this University. 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. Roll Tide!"

After building some momentum for Alabama basketball this year, it only made sense for Oats to stay put. 

Alabama AD Greg Byrne made Oats a top-five highest-paid coach in the league in March with a contract extension averaging $5 million per year, paying out as much as $7.5 million in the final year of his deal.

Arkansas rebounded after losing Eric Musselman to USC last week. 

The coaching carousel also included former USC coach Andy Enfield moving to SMU. 

Add Oklahoma State to the mix, welcoming former Western Kentucky coach Steve Lutz.

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com