TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Nate Oats helped turned Buffalo into an NCAA Tournament regular. Now, he's trying to restore Alabama to that status.
The Crimson Tide hired Oats on Wednesday after he led the Bulls to their best season and a third NCAA berth in four years.
Athletic director Greg Byrne turned to Oats three days after parting ways with Avery Johnson in what he described as a mutual decision.
Byrne said Oats would "hit the ground running" starting Wednesday night.
"I have been watching coach Oats for the last few years as he has led the University at Buffalo to unprecedented heights," Byrne said.