With the recent appointment of a new University of Alabama president, all eyes are on Tuscaloosa — and not just from academic circles. The Crimson Tide’s next chapter as an institution isn’t just about endowments and research growth. It’s also about preserving the powerhouse reputation of Alabama Athletics, a brand as nationally recognized as any in higher education.
As the university faces the dual challenge of a post-Saban football era and growing national pressure in NIL, transfer portal chaos, and coaching poaching, the next president must act decisively. Here are 5 must-do moves the new president needs to make — starting now.
✅ 1. Lean on Nick Saban — But Don’t Hide Behind Him
Nick Saban may be retired from the sidelines, but he remains the most influential figure in Alabama sports history — and still carries weight in the national sports landscape. The new president should actively involve Saban in institutional strategy, whether through alumni outreach, NIL structuring, or coaching evaluations.
Saban doesn’t need to run the university — but his insight, presence, and relationships can still steer Alabama forward, especially as the school tries to maintain its elite status post-Saban.
🔒 2. Lock Up Nate Oats — Now, Not Later
Let’s be blunt: Nate Oats is a flight risk. After guiding Alabama basketball to unprecedented heights — including a Final Four appearance and top national rankings — Oats is now one of the most coveted coaches in the country.
The new president must make his retention a top strategic priority by:
- Extending his contract with long-term security
- Increasing assistant coach and facilities budgets
- Creating an NIL infrastructure that lets Oats recruit at a national level
If Alabama lets Oats walk, it signals complacency at the top — and sets back basketball by a decade.
💰 3. NIL: Build It Right or Get Left Behind
The next president must treat NIL strategy not as a booster-driven side hustle, but as a core university function. That means:
- Partnering closely with the athletic department and The Advantage collective
- Ensuring compliance without stifling creativity
- Providing donors with transparency and influence
Right now, Alabama risks falling behind more aggressive programs like Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. NIL is the new scholarship — and the school must lead, not follow.
🏟️ 4. Finish the Football Facility Arms Race
Even with Saban’s legacy, Alabama cannot afford to stand still. The new president must:
- Accelerate upgrades to Bryant-Denny Stadium’s fan experience
- Finalize plans for football operations expansion under Kalen DeBoer
- Ensure world-class recovery and analytics centers to appeal to recruits
This isn’t about luxury — it’s about survival. Facilities now impact everything from recruiting to transfer retention to NFL draft stock.
🎓 5. Bridge Athletics and Academics Like Never Before
Alabama’s greatest opportunity lies in using its athletic prominence to amplify academic prestige. The next president should prioritize:
- Joint academic-athletic programs (sports analytics, business, media)
- NIL-adjacent education for athletes (branding, entrepreneurship)
- National campaigns that show Alabama as a “total experience” — not just a football school
If done right, athletics can become a true gateway to global reputation, not just Saturday glory.
🧠 Final Word
The University of Alabama has reached a pivotal moment. A new president offers a new era — but it must be one of bold action, strategic vision, and total alignment between the campus and the sideline.
Lean on Saban. Lock up Oats. Fund NIL. Upgrade everything. Unite everyone.
That’s how Alabama stays Alabama.
Leave a Reply