Alabama Crimson Tide: Friday News & Notes

The Alabama Crimson Tide once again seems to be getting close to a coordinator hire. This time the hot name is Tommy Rees, the current offensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Rees has interviewed with Coach Nick Saban and received an offer of some kind.

The response to a possible Tommy Rees hire has been mixed to say the least. He is not a part of the wave of young, hot-shot offensive coordinators that run high-octane offenses and put up absurd statistical numbers. On paper, his offenses at Notre Dame have posted mediocre numbers at best.

The more optimistic Alabama Crimson Tide fans tend to consider Rees’s style and the relative lack of offensive talent he had at his fingertips in South Bend. Naturally, his schemes would be more effective with Alabama’s caliber of athlete. Bama fans hope that Rees will get back to establishing the run while bringing more creativity to the passing game, should he be hired.

It should be noted that Alabama football is believed to have multiple candidates in mind for the OC position.

Alabama Crimson Tide extends Nate Oats

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats may be in Tuscaloosa for a while. His current contract, which was good through 2027, will now be extended through 2029. Oats will also receive a raise to accompany his extension.

Alabama basketball is currently 19-3 and a legitimate top-5 team in the nation. Barring a disappointing finish to the season, the Crimson Tide is on track to win the SEC regular season championship outright for just the seventh time in school history. It would be Bama’s second outright SEC championship in three years, winning the first under Coach Oats in 2020-21.

Tide hoops is also trending to be a no. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. This team still has a lot left to prove, but it could potentially make an argument for being Alabama’s best basketball team ever by the end of the season.

Nate Oats has led Bama hoops to every NCAA tournament since taking the job, and it has taken him less than four years to make the Tide a national championship contender. He has been at the helm for Alabama’s two best seasons in over 35 years (1986-87, based on win percentage).

It cannot be overstated how important it is that Alabama is paying Oats what he is worth, and has (presumably) locked him in for at least the next six seasons.

Alabama Crimson Tide announces NIL entity ‘Yea Alabama’

The University of Alabama has announced the establishment of ‘Yea Alabama,’ an official NIL entity to be affiliated with the school and the athletic department. In the era of legalized NIL, this entity should streamline the process of “linking fans, donors and businesses with Crimson Tide student-athletes to facilitate NIL opportunities.”

This development should benefit Alabama in all sports, helping student-athletes to profit off their personal brands and adding another valuable recruiting pitch for Bama’s coaches.

‘Yea Alabama’ is also intriguing for fans who wish to contribute and be a part of the program. It is now easier than ever for fans to show their support in the most direct way; by financially aiding the Alabama athletic department, their favorite Tide sports teams, and the athletes on those teams.

Alabama Crimson Tide: Basketball Recruiting Update

2024 4-star guard and Alabama target Labaron Philon is expected to announce his commitment on Friday. Philon, a Mobile product, is considered the top player in the state of Alabama in the 2024 cycle.

Unfortunately, many anticipate that he will choose Auburn, but Philon could surprise everyone and commit to Alabama basketball. He would be a huge get, and would be Alabama’s first commitment in the 2024 class.

Bama already has a solid 2023 haul with three commitments, but it currently lacks a standout player to take the class to the next level. Sam Walters, Mouhamed Dioubate, and RJ Johnson are all good complementary pieces that will likely be on campus for three to four years.

If the Alabama Crimson Tide could land Philon in the 2024 class, it would add an NBA talent to what should already be a pretty good team. If Philon does indeed go elsewhere, it is still very early in the 2024 cycle, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Bama to land some difference-makers.

Stay tuned to Bama Hammer for more Alabama Crimson Tide news and updates!