In a shocking turn of events, ESPN has confirmed that Alabama General Manager Courtney Morgan has officially submitted his resignation following his involvement in informing head football coach Kalen DeBoer about basketball star Mark Sears entering the NCAA transfer portal. The report comes amid growing internal discussions about whether Sears, one of the top guards in college basketball, should return to the Crimson Tide for the 2024–25 season.
Alabama’s athletics CEO was said to have personally assessed the implications of Sears’ potential return, weighing team chemistry, NIL considerations, and national title hopes before supporting a full-court press to keep the All-American guard in Tuscaloosa. However, things took an unexpected turn when Morgan, who primarily handles football operations, inserted himself into the basketball decision-making process.
According to ESPN insiders, Courtney Morgan was made aware of Sears’ portal entry and quickly relayed that information to Coach DeBoer, Alabama’s head football coach. Though the intent may have been well-meaning — reflecting a “one-program” mindset — the move reportedly overstepped internal boundaries between sports divisions within the athletic department.
Shortly after the incident and internal conversations with the athletics administration, Morgan submitted his resignation to the athletic director, citing “a need for professional clarity and realignment of responsibilities” in his departure letter, as per sources with knowledge of the situation.
This development has intensified the spotlight on Sears’ status. After leading Alabama to its first Final Four appearance in program history and averaging over 21 points per game last season, Sears has declared for the NBA Draft while preserving college eligibility. His decision to enter the portal added further intrigue, raising questions about whether he was dissatisfied with Alabama’s current environment or simply exploring all available options — including potential NIL enhancements elsewhere.
The CEO’s assessment reportedly emphasized that retaining Sears could be transformative not only for Alabama basketball’s national title ambitions but also for branding and donor relations across all sports. The situation is a striking example of how NIL and transfer dynamics are blurring traditional lines in athletic departments.
Despite Morgan’s exit, Coach Nate Oats and the remaining basketball leadership remain committed to re-recruiting Sears back to campus. Sources close to the program believe that if the right assurances are made — both financially and in terms of developmental support — a return to Alabama is still very much on the table.
Kalen DeBoer, while not directly involved in the Sears decision, has acknowledged the situation and expressed appreciation for Morgan’s contributions to Alabama football during his brief tenure. “We’re all part of one team, but sometimes things move too fast. I respect Courtney and wish him the best,” DeBoer told ESPN.
In the end, Mark Sears’ future remains undecided, but the organizational ripple effects are already being felt. What was intended as a strategic maneuver to retain one of the nation’s top players has instead triggered a high-profile resignation and highlighted the complexities of modern college athletics.
**– ESPN Staff Report**
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