Alabama first took the traditional route. Now, it's taking a swing with a big name from outside the box.

The Crimson Tide will hire former NBA coach of the year Avery Johnson to replace Anthony Grant. Johnson agreed in principle to be Alabama's next basketball coach, ESPN reported Sunday afternoon. The contract details are still being finalized.

Johnson has never coached college basketball, but brings a high-profile personality to the program.

After Wichita State's Gregg Marshall turned down Alabama's offer April 1, some familiar names were floated. But Battle went a different, less-conventional route with the 2006 NBA coach of the year.

Johnson, 50, brings a big personality, an NBA championship ring from his playing days and early success in the coaching business. The fastest to 50, then 100 wins in NBA history, Johnson took the Mavericks to the Finals in his first full season at the helm.

Nicknamed the "Little General," Johnson had a 440-254 in parts of seven seasons coaching the Mavericks and Nets. Since being fired by Brooklyn in December 2012, Johnson's been an analyst for ESPN's NBA coverage.

A product of New Orleans, Johnson took the fast track to his first head coaching job. After retiring from a 16-year NBA career, he moved right onto Don Nelson's staff with the Mavericks in 2004. By March 19, 2005, Johnson was promoted to the head job when Nelson resigned.

In four seasons with Dallas, a 194-70 record included the 2006 Western Conference title. That was followed by a 67-15 season that ended prematurely in a first-round stunner to Golden State.

A 51-31 record and first-round exit in 2007-08 led to his dismissal. By 2010, Johnson landed with the New Jersey Nets, but the success never translated. He was fired with a 60-116 record in 2012 with a $4 million-a-year salary.