Alabama on Tuesday announced the hiring of Austin Claunch as an assistant coach on Nate Oats’ men’s basketball staff.

Claunch, as was reported earlier this month, is leaving his job as Nicholls State’s head coach to join the Tide’s bench. He is the first official hire for Oats after Alabama lost its three assistant basketball coaches to head-coaching jobs — Bryan Hodgson (Arkansas State), Charlie Henry (Georgia Southern) and Antoine Pettway (Kennesaw State).

“Austin is one of the hardest working guys in the business,” Oats said in a statement. “His work as a head coach at Nicholls was unbelievable with one of the lowest budgets in the country. He has won two out of the last three regular season championships in the Southland Conference and that is a credit to his hard work and his energy.

“Austin has a bright young mind and will help out our program in many ways. Not only is he a tireless recruiter and will help us with game planning but he is also a great person who will develop great relationships with our players and have a positive impact in our community.”

Claunch, 33, had been under contract with Nicholls State until 2024 at $130,000 per year. He interviewed for the University at Buffalo head-coaching job last month, which Oats formerly held from 2015-19. Oats’ replacement at Buffalo, Jim Whitesell, was paid a base salary of $300,000 before being fired in March.

But Claunch will likely earn more at Alabama, where Hodgson made $425,000 as an assistant this past season. The terms of Claunch’s contract have yet to be released.

“I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to join Coach Oats’ staff,” Claunch said in a statement. “Over the past few seasons, Alabama has proven itself to be one of the premier basketball programs not only in the SEC, but also in the country. The max effort, continuous growth and selfless love established here is evident, even from afar, and I look forward to being a part of this team.

“I am eager to add value any way I can and learn from one of the brightest and most innovative minds in the game in Nate Oats. It’s a thrill to be joining the Tuscaloosa community, and I’m excited to see everyone soon. Roll Tide!”

Claunch is a Houston native who played basketball at Emory University. He served on George Mason’s staff in 2012-13 before joining Clemson as a graduate manager in 2013. Claunch followed then-Tigers assistant Richie Riley to Nicholls State in 2016 as an assistant, then was elevated to head coach when Riley left for South Alabama in 2018.

Alabama is expected to fill another open assistant job with Ryan Pannone, the former Birmingham Squadron head coach who spent last season as an assistant for the New Orleans Pelicans. The school has yet to announce his hire.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.