Jumbo Package: Don’t Panic — Nate Oats isn’t going anywhere.
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Let’s start with the first bit of rumor-mongering out there.
But, the far more interesting proposition is who Duke would turn to? The speculation didn’t last long — #sauces almost immediately and uniformly broke news that long-time assistant Jon Scheyer would be taking over the program.
How firm is this? Vegas didn’t even put odds on the board for the next man up in Durham. And when even Vegas won’t take your money, it’s airtight.
I don’t think anyone seriously believed that Coach Oats would be a major candidate, but there’s one thing for sure in the SEC: When you’ve got a hot coach, it will cost you a lot more to keep him, no matter how spurious the rumors may be or how recent the extension or how much you’re already shelling out. And any uncertainty would have gotten the pocketbooks in Tuscaloosa openings.