History of Nate Oats in Timeline

Updated: March 23, 2026

Nate Oats is an American basketball coach, currently serving as the head men's basketball coach at the University of Alabama. He previously held the same position at the University at Buffalo. Known for his strategic coaching and player development, Oats has quickly established himself as a prominent figure in college basketball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 13, 1974: Nate Oats Born

On October 13, 1974, Nathanael Justin Oats, who would later become a prominent basketball coach, was born.

1997: Joins Maranatha Baptist Coaching Staff

In 1997, after his playing career, Nate Oats joined the coaching staff at Maranatha Baptist University.

2000: Leaves Maranatha Baptist Coaching Staff

In 2000, Nate Oats ended his tenure as a member of the coaching staff at Maranatha Baptist University.

2002: Becomes Head Coach at Romulus High School

After the 2002 season, Nate Oats left Wisconsin-Whitewater to become the head basketball coach and a teacher at Romulus High School near Detroit.

2005: Wins Coaching Awards

In 2005, Nate Oats won coaching awards for his performance at Romulus High School.

2008: Wins Coaching Awards

In 2008, Nate Oats won coaching awards for his performance at Romulus High School.

2009: Wins Coaching Awards

In 2009, Nate Oats won coaching awards for his performance at Romulus High School.

2013: Hired as Assistant Coach at Buffalo

In 2013, Bobby Hurley, impressed by Nate Oats' coaching, hired him as an assistant coach at Buffalo.

2013: Wins State Championship at Romulus High School

In 2013, Nate Oats led Romulus High School to a 27-1 record and a state Class A championship, earning him multiple coach of the year awards.

2014: Recruits Justin Moss

In 2014, as an assistant at Buffalo, Nate Oats was credited with recruiting Justin Moss, who later became MAC Player of the Year.

April 9, 2015: Named Interim Head Coach at Buffalo

On April 9, 2015, Nate Oats was named the interim head coach at Buffalo after Bobby Hurley's departure.

November 2015: Wife's Cancer Diagnosis

In November 2015, Nate Oats announced his wife Crystal's diagnosis with an aggressive form of lymphoma.

2015: Justin Moss dismissed from University

In 2015, Justin Moss was dismissed from the University.

May 18, 2016: Signs New Contract with Buffalo

On May 18, 2016, Buffalo Athletic Director Allen Greene announced a new five-year contract with Nate Oats.

2017: Bulls begin Conference Play with Eight Straight Wins

In 2017, the Buffalo Bulls, coached by Nate Oats, began conference play with eight straight wins, the best conference start in team history.

March 8, 2018: Signs Contract Extension with Buffalo

On March 8, 2018, Nate Oats signed a contract extension with the University at Buffalo to remain head basketball coach through 2023.

2018: Oats led the Bulls to a 28-3 record

During the 2018-19 regular season, Oats led the Bulls to a 28-3 record

2018: Alabama makes the NCAA tournament

In 2020-21 season, Nate Oats led Alabama to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2018.

March 14, 2019: Signs Contract Extension with Buffalo

On March 14, 2019, Nate Oats signed a contract extension with the University at Buffalo to remain head basketball coach through the 2024 season.

March 27, 2019: Named Head Coach at Alabama

On March 27, 2019, Nate Oats was named the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

2019: Coaching Philosophy

In 2019, Nate Oats described his coaching philosophy as being based on "max effort, continuous growth, and selfless love,".

2019: ESPN Story on Oats

In a 2019 ESPN story, Danny White highlighted Nate Oats' connections with players and his reputation as a high school coach.

2020: Wins SEC Coach of the Year

In 2020-21 regular season, Nate Oats won the SEC Coach of the Year award in his second season as head coach.

February 2021: Signs Contract Extension with Alabama

In February 2021, Nate Oats signed a 3-year contract extension with Alabama through the 2027 season.

2022: Tide tallied a school-record 31 wins

In 2022-23, Nate Oats led the Tide to tally a school-record 31 wins.

2023: Contract Extension Through 2023

In March 8, 2018, Nate Oats signed a contract extension with the University at Buffalo to remain head basketball coach through 2023.

March 30, 2024: Leads Alabama to First Final Four Appearance

On March 30, 2024, Nate Oats led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a victory over the Clemson Tigers, securing Alabama's first Final Four appearance in program history.