Oats' Future: Alabama Coach Nears Contract Extension

0:00On March 26th, Alabama basketball coach Nate Oates is close to signing a new contract extension with the Crimson Tide, but nothing is official yet. Discussions are underway as the team prepares for their sweet 16 match-up against top-seated Michigan. Oates already has a solid deal from before last season's final four appearance, including a recent $500,000 salary bump on March 15th. Earlier this week, North Carolina parted ways with their head coach, sparking rumors that Oates could be a candidate for the job. But Oates made it clear he's committed to Alabama and not shopping around. He appreciates the trust from the administration and has no plans to leave Tuscaloosa anytime soon. Oates often reflects on his coaching routes, starting with tiny paychecks like $4,700 a year at a high school for 11 years. Before that, he coached for free or pocket change at smaller programs. That background keeps him grounded, even as his pay has skyrocketed. He's taking a patient approach to the new deal, figuring his current contract is already generous.

1:05Officials seem to agree there's no rush, given their mutual confidence heading into the tournament. With the postseason heating up, expect more updates on Oates's future, as Alabama pushes deeper into March madness.