Nate Oats: The Man, The Myth, The Mustache

Nate Oats, the energetic and enthusiastic head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team, has become a fan favorite not only for his impressive coaching skills but also for his signature mustache. Here's a closer look into the life and career of this charismatic coach:
The Early Years

Oats was born in Wisconsin in 1974 and grew up playing basketball. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he played point guard for the Warhawks. After graduating, he began his coaching career at the high school level before moving on to the Division II ranks as an assistant coach at Marquette University.

The Rise to Success

In 2012, Oats was hired as the head coach at the University of Buffalo. He quickly turned the struggling Bulls program into a contender, leading them to three NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons. His success caught the attention of the University of Alabama, which hired him as their head coach in 2019.

The Alabama Years

Since arriving in Tuscaloosa, Oats has continued to make waves. In his first season, he led the Crimson Tide to a 16-15 record, which improved to 26-7 the following season. In 2021, Alabama reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, and in 2023, they advanced to the Elite Eight.

The Coaching Style

Oats is known for his up-tempo, high-scoring style of play. His teams typically play at a fast pace and shoot a lot of threes. He is also an excellent recruiter, having brought in some of the top recruits in the country to Alabama.

The Mustache

One of the most recognizable things about Oats is his thick, bushy mustache. It has become his signature look, and fans love it. Oats has said that he started growing the mustache in college and has kept it ever since. It has become so popular that he even sells t-shirts with the mustache on them.

The Future

Oats is still relatively young for a head coach, and he has already accomplished a lot. He has led two different programs to the NCAA Tournament, and he has established Alabama as a contender in the SEC. With his energy, enthusiasm, and mustache, there is no doubt that Oats will continue to make headlines for years to come.

Nate Oats is a rising star in the coaching ranks. He is a charismatic leader with a unique style of play, and he has quickly become a fan favorite at Alabama. With his mustache, his energy, and his winning ways, Oats is sure to be a fixture in college basketball for many years to come.