Alabama hires coach Nate Oats' wife for high-profile job

Alabama hired the new wife of head basketball coach Nate Oats to a prominent role in the program, the school announced.

Alex Accetta, who married Oats in July, will serve as the director of program relations. She will report to Shane Lyons, the executive deputy athletic director and men's basketball sport administrator.

This is the second go-round with the Crimson Tide for Accetta. She worked at Alabama from April 2015 to October 2022, finishing that stint in Tuscaloosa as the director of operations for men's basketball. She went on to work for the Dallas Mavericks in the guest experience and business operations part of the organization from the 2022-23 through 2025-26 seasons.

"Alex has an extensive background and proven success in this space at both the collegiate and professional levels," Lyons said in a news release issued Thursday. "With her previous experience, she has a strong understanding of our program and what it takes to effectively operate at the highest competitive levels. She returns to Alabama basketball after four seasons with the NBA Dallas Mavericks, and we expect her professional franchise experience and insights to continue to advance all we do."

With the Mavericks, her tasks included directing all VIP and executive hospitality operations, overseeing preparations for appearances by league executives, owners of visiting teams, corporate partners and high-profile guests at games played on the team's home court.

Accetta, 31, is a 2017 graduate of Alabama.

Oats, 51, was named head coach of the Crimson Tide before the 2019-20 season. He has a record of 243-170 with six NCAA Tournament appearances. Alabama lost 86-72 to UConn in the Final Four at the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

--Field Level Media