TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats officially promoted Crimson Tide icon Erwin Dudley to the newly created position of Special Assistant to the Head Coach, the university announced August 5, 2025. The promotion comes after two highly impactful years in which Dudley served as a graduate assistant for the program .
Dudley, a standout at Alabama from 2000 to 2003, was a consensus SEC Player of the Year in 2002 and earned AP Third-Team All-America honors the same season. He remains one of the program’s most decorated players—ranking fourth all-time in rebounds (1,184) and ninth in career points (1,775) .
In announcing the promotion, Oats praised Dudley’s character and impact: “Erwin’s name is synonymous with the history of Alabama basketball. We are thrilled to keep him in the program. He has been exceptional in his role the past two years and possesses a servant’s heart. He will thrive in this new position, and we are proud to have him continue contributing as a resource for players and staff” .
Dudley’s transition from graduate assistant to special assistant reflects his expanded responsibilities and deeper integration into the coaching staff led by Oats, which also includes assistants Preston Murphy, Brian Adams, and newly hired Chris Fleming—a veteran NBA coach added this offseason .
Dudley expressed gratitude and optimism about his new role: “I’m excited and honored to continue my coaching career at Alabama. This program means so much to me and has given me tremendous opportunities. I look forward to serving as a resource for players and staff and helping in any capacity possible” .
During his two seasons as a graduate assistant, Dudley was part of a team that won 53 games and advanced to back-to-back NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances, including the program’s first-ever Final Four berth in 2024. Notably, Alabama was the only school in the nation to reach the Elite Eight in both seasons .
The appointment reflects Alabama’s broader strategy of blending its own storied history with Oats’s modern, NBA-inspired coaching philosophy. Dudley’s return in a significant on-court role, leveraging his alumni identity and deep understanding of program culture, is expected to boost on‑court development and serve as an anchor point in recruiting .
In short, Erwin Dudley’s elevation symbolizes both a tribute to his legacy and a forward-thinking investment in continuity, leadership, and identity for Alabama’s
