Speculation tends to swirl quickly when one of college basketball’s most iconic programs suddenly needs a new coach. That has been the case since the University of North Carolina decided to part ways with Hubert Davis. Now, another veteran coach is facing growing speculation about potentially replacing Davis.
That coach is none other than Arizona Wildcats’ Tommy Lloyd. As he prepares to take on Arkansas in the Sweet 16, Lloyd is also facing several questions surrounding the UNC vacancy. His response made it clear he isn’t entertaining the idea, at least for now.
“I already have one of the best jobs in the country,” Lloyd said when asked about the opening in Chapel Hill. He further added that Arizona has been performing exceptionally well this year. The 51-year-old also expressed his focus on advancing further in the NCAA Tournament as the Wildcats prepare to face John Calipari’s Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
“I think we have a great team. I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament. But I’m not delusional. I know we could lose tomorrow. This team deserves my full focus. There is not one thing that’s gonna knock me off that path.” Lloyd’s firm stance comes during what has been another outstanding season in Tucson.
Since taking over the Wildcats, he has quickly turned the program into a national contender, and this year has been no different. Arizona won the Big 12 Conference championship along with the regular-season title. They lost only two games before heading into March Madness.
That success is precisely why Lloyd’s name surfaced when the Tar Heels’ job opened. But for now, Lloyd appears uninterested in being part of that conversation, as he remains focused on leading Arizona to its first national championship since 1997.
