Texas A&M Keeps Head Coach Bucky McMillan After Alabama's Nate Oats Stays Put

Aggie fans can breathe easy as their rising star coach remains in College Station.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:10pm

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After a successful first season at Texas A&M, head coach Bucky McMillan was rumored to be a top target for Alabama if Nate Oats left for the NBA. However, Oats has now signed a contract extension to remain the Crimson Tide's head coach, removing a major threat to McMillan's future in College Station.

Why it matters

Keeping McMillan is crucial for Texas A&M to maintain the momentum from their surprise season and continue building the program. Losing him to an in-conference rival like Alabama would have been a major setback for the Aggies.

The details

McMillan, who grew up an Alabama fan, was seen as a potential replacement if Oats left for the NBA. But with Oats now locked in at Alabama, the Aggies can focus on the upcoming transfer portal without the distraction of their coach's future being in doubt.

  • On April 5, 2026, Alabama announced that head coach Nate Oats had signed a contract extension to remain with the Crimson Tide.

The players

Bucky McMillan

The head coach of the Texas A&M men's basketball team, who just completed a successful first season in College Station.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team, who has now signed a contract extension to remain with the Crimson Tide.

Mackenzie Mgbako

A key returning player for the Texas A&M men's basketball team.

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What’s next

Texas A&M can now fully focus on the upcoming transfer portal, where they are expected to be major players in reloading their roster for next season.

The takeaway

Retaining Bucky McMillan as head coach was crucial for Texas A&M to maintain the momentum from their surprise season. With the threat of losing him to Alabama now neutralized, the Aggies can turn their attention to the transfer portal and building on their success.