“I am fully committed to this team and the university.”

Following reports on Sunday evening suggesting that the Arkansas Razorbacks were on the verge of hiring former Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari, speculation arose regarding who would succeed him.

One prominent name in discussions was Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats. Oats, fresh off leading his team to the Final Four for the first time in the school’s history, emerged as a leading candidate to fill the vacancy at Kentucky.

Even ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum weighed in on the matter, expressing his views during a Monday morning radio show in Birmingham, Alabama.

“I think Nate Oats is the one on everyone’s list,” Finebaum remarked. “I mean, the two best coaches in the country, in my opinion, are [Dan] Hurley and Nate Oats. One is playing for the national championship tonight. Listen, I’m not privy to Nate Oats’ exact contract, but what is it? Close to $20 million, or something like that?”

However, Oats put an end to all speculation on Monday evening by announcing via social media that he will remain in Tuscaloosa.