After Willard exited Maryland to accept the open head coaching position with Villanova, there were reports linking Oats to the Terrapins. However, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also refuted the notion that Oats was going anywhere, saying during an appearance on The Will Cain Show, "I could absolutely tell you there's no truth to that."

After Kevin Willard’s messy departure to Villanova opened the Maryland head coach job, Alabama basketball’s Nate Oats was one of the rumored candidates. Oats never showed any sign of potentially departing the Crimson Tide, and none of the rumors came from reputable sources, but still, UA athletics director Greg Byrne shot them down on Monday.

Per college hoops insider Jeff Goodman, Oats has “no interest in the vacant Maryland job,” despite some recent rumors linking him with the Terrapins after coach Kevin Willard left for Villanova: