Nate Oats has led Alabama back to the Sweet 16 for a program-record fourth consecutive season. It is the golden area of Alabama basketball, and that golden era needs to be extended for as long as possible.
That means doing whatever it takes to keep Oats happy in Tuscaloosa.
Because the Blue Bloods are going to continue to come knocking. North Carolina appears set to move on from Hubert Davis, and many believe Oats will be one of the leading candidates for the Tar Heels vacancy.
Oats wants to win a national championship. Greg Byrne has to commit the resources to make that a reality for his head coach in Tuscaloosa. Divert some resources from football if that's what it takes; Oats is worth it.
Greg Byrne must do anything it takes to keep Nate Oats at Alabama
Oats has cemented himself as the greatest coach in Alabama basketball history. Losing him to another college program would be a devastating blow.
In just over a week, on April 1st, Oats' buyout drops from $18 million to $10 million, making him a lot more attainable for a big problem like North Carolina if they choose to pursue him.
Byrne has committed considerable resources to the basketball program, including the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art practice facility. But more dollars for the roster need to be committed so the Crimson Tide doesn't continue missing out on the best players like AJ Dybantsa last year and Caleb Holt this year.
Bryne is likely working on another contract extension with Oats as we speak. But aside from a pay raise and increased buyout, Oats will probably be looking for a greater commitment from the University for money to spend on roster building.
Oats was understandably frustrated by losing Holt to Arizona. You could tell by the tone of his press conference shortly after the news broke. But he also stated that he had spoken to the administration about the need to be competitive when making offers to prospects, and those conversations sounded like they had been productive.
But with North Carolina potentially set to open, and other Blue Bloods potentially not far behind, it's time for Byrne to put his money where his mouth is to keep Oats happy and in Tuscaloosa for years to come.