Alabama tabs Avery Johnson as men's basketball coach

Apr 7, 2015 - 3:10 AM Tuscaloosa, AL (SportsNetwork.com) - The University of Alabama officially hired Avery Johnson as its next head men's basketball coach on Monday.

According to The Tuscaloosa News, Johnson's contract is worth $17 million over six years.

Johnson fills the spot recently vacated by Anthony Grant, whose contract was not retained. The position was reportedly offered to Wichita State's Gregg Marshall, but he turned the Crimson Tide down and signed an extension with the Shockers.

Johnson's last coaching stint came with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2012-13 season. He was also the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and was named the NBA's Coach of the Year for the 2006-07 season. It was after that season the Mavs were upset by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs as the No. 1 seed.

Dallas was ousted again in the first round the next season, and Johnson was relieved of his duties.

Johnson, nicknamed "Little General" during his playing days, compiled a 254-186 coaching record in the NBA. He guided the Mavs to the NBA Finals in 2006, but lost to Miami.

By coaching at Alabama, Johnson will have the opportunity to coach in the SEC against his son, Avery Johnson Jr., who is a rising sophomore at Texas A&M.

Alabama only reached the NCAA Tournament once under Grant, when it earned a No. 9 seed in 2012 and lost to Creighton in the Round of 64. It also reached the finals of the NIT in 2011 and lost to Wichita State. The Crimson Tide went 19-15 this past season. That included a loss to Miami in the second round of the NIT.