Kentucky basketball has found its successor to John Calipari in BYU coach, and former Wildcat, Mark Pope.
But, much like the other coaching carousels this offseason, that hiring process didn't go without the reported rumors of other coaches being tied to the position. Among them: Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats , who reportedly was on Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart's list of candidates.
Former Alabama assistant Austin Claunch joked about those rumors Thursday as he was introduced as the next head coach at UTSA . Claunch — who remained with the Tide during its Final Four run despite being hired at UTSA on March 17 — spent one season on Oats' staff in Tuscaloosa.
REQUIRED READING: What channel is Alabama football A-Day game? Time, TV for Kalen DeBoer's first spring game
"This past year at Alabama certainly was special. What Nate Oats has done in the past four years is nothing short of remarkable," Claunch said. "We're going to play a similar style (here). ... I owe Coach Oats a lot. That program is great. He's going something that's sustainable. He's not going anywhere."
Oats shut down rumors himself of potentially leaving for Kentucky prior to tipoff of the national championship game on Monday. He went to social media to announce he is "fully committed" to Alabama, adding he isn't going anywhere.
REQUIRED READING: Rylan Griffen enters transfer portal after two seasons with Alabama basketball
"I am fully committed to this team and to this University," Oats said on Monday. "We have already accomplished some great things here, and there is nothing I want more than for the University of Alabama to win its first national championship in men's basketball. Despite any rumors to the contrary, rest assured that I will continue that pursuit as your head coach. Roll Tide!"
Oats is 117-54 (.684) at Alabama over five seasons. He has led the Tide to two SEC regular season titles, two SEC Tournament title, four NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the Sweet 16 and the program's first Final Four.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Look: Austin Claunch jokes about the Nate Oats to Kentucky rumors
