BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — University at Buffalo men's basketball coach Nate Oats is leaving the Bulls for at University of Alabama, just three days after the Bulls lost in round two of the NCAA Tournament.
The departure of Oats comes less than a month after he signed a five-year contract extension with the University at Buffalo. The deal, on March 4th, guaranteed Oats $837,000 a year, making him the highest paid coach in the MAC conference.
“I wish Nate the very best and we’re thankful for everything he has done to elevate our men’s basketball program,” said Mark Alnutt, U.B. athletic director. “An opportunity like this is life changing for Nate and his family. Thanks to Nate and the team’s success, the Buffalo coaching position will be extremely attractive and a national search is already underway. It will be conducted as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. We wish Nate and his family all the best.”
Associate head coach Jim Whitesell will become interim head coach while the Bulls search for Oats' replacement.
