Arizona Responds To Tommy Lloyd, North Carolina Rumors

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has been linked to North Carolina's job vacancy, but is he truly interested in leaving Tucson? Lloyd has compiled a record of 146-35 since taking over the Arizona job in 2021. He's solidified his status as one of the top coaches in the country, which is why he's being ...

by Chris Rosvoglou

Mar 26, 2026

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd at the podium.

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has been linked to North Carolina's job vacancy, but is he truly interested in leaving Tucson?

Lloyd has compiled a record of 146-35 since taking over the Arizona job in 2021. He's solidified his status as one of the top coaches in the country, which is why he's being mentioned as a candidate for North Carolina. During this Wednesday's media availability, Lloyd tried to defuse all the rumors linking him to the Tar Heels.

"I already have one of the best jobs in the country. And one thing we talk about in our program all the time - and I think I've gotten better at it, and I think our team's been crushing it this year - is just the ability to have full focus and be present in the moment," Lloyd told reporters.

"I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament game by game, but I'm not delusional. I know we could lose tomorrow, but this team deserves my full focus. So, there's not one thing that is going to knock me off my path. I'm 100% focused on Arizona basketball and this program, and I can't wait till the ball gets thrown up tomorrow and then can't wait to try to figure out a way to come out on top."

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts in the first half against the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Arizona athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois addressed all the rumors surrounding Lloyd and North Carolina. She said the Wildcats are hoping to keep their head coach around for the foreseeable future.

"Tommy has done a phenomenal job," Reed-Francois said. "He’s one of the best coaches in America. We have been engaged with his representatives about a new contract since before the start of the NCAA Tournament. Those discussions will continue and it is our goal that he retires as a Wildcat."

There's a lot at stake for Lloyd.

Lloyd has taken Arizona to the Sweet 16 in four of the past five seasons. He'll have a chance to book a spot in the Elite Eight this Thursday.

Arizona and Arkansas are set to square off at 9:45 p.m. ET on CBS.

Oddsmakers have Arizona as 8.5-point favorites over Arkansas. ESPN Analytics, meanwhile, gives the Wildcats a 76.6% chance of defeating the Razorbacks.