In a stunning turn of events in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, head men’s basketball coach Nathanael Justin Oats—commonly known as Nate Oats—has found himself in a serious internal conflict with Athletic Director Greg Byrne, stemming from what sources describe as “substantial and long-overdue unpaid salary and bonuses.”
While both men have been instrumental in elevating the Crimson Tide’s basketball program to national relevance, behind-the-scenes tensions have reportedly reached a boiling point over financial discrepancies that span more than two fiscal years. According to individuals close to the situation—who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter—Coach Oats is allegedly owed more than $2.7 million in performance bonuses, supplemental income, and deferred contractual incentives that the university has either delayed or outright ignored.
The source of the conflict, insiders claim, stems from a backlogged restructuring clause in Oats’ most recent contract extension, signed in early 2023, which promised incentive-based payouts for SEC tournament victories, NCAA appearances, and player development benchmarks. “The paperwork was signed, the achievements were met, but the checks never came,” said a staffer within the athletic department. “Coach Oats feels betrayed.”
Greg Byrne, a respected figure in NCAA circles known for his managerial acumen, has reportedly downplayed the issue in public-facing settings, but privately the rift between him and Oats has grown increasingly toxic. Multiple meetings over the last three months—some lasting more than four hours—have ended in shouting matches, walkouts, and even threats of legal action, according to two sources familiar with the meetings.
Oats, who led the Crimson Tide to the Final Four for the first time in school history just a season ago, is said to be “furious” and “deeply disillusioned” by what he views as a breach of trust and contract. While he has continued coaching without publicly acknowledging the dispute, his demeanor in press conferences has noticeably shifted—once sharp and spirited, now terse and visibly strained.
The university’s legal counsel has been brought in to mediate the escalating disagreement, which threatens not only the stability of Alabama’s basketball program but also the athletic department’s credibility. Several high-profile donors have reportedly paused contributions, citing concerns over administrative mismanagement.
A faction of the Board of Trustees has already begun internal reviews of Byrne’s handling of financial commitments across the department, and a confidential audit—initiated quietly in late March—is expected to be released by July. Should findings confirm any administrative mishandling, it may spell the end of Byrne’s tenure.
Though Oats has made no official comment beyond a curt “no comment” to a Birmingham News reporter last week, sources close to him say he has been fielding interest from several Power Five programs eager to swoop in should the relationship with Alabama implode.
The Crimson Tide’s season might be over, but the real battle is only just beginning. In Tuscaloosa, the hardwood is quiet—but the war behind closed doors rages on.
