Tommy Lloyd finally led Arizona to the Final Four after five seasons coaching the team. Lloyd aims to guide the Wildcats to their first Final since 2001 and possibly their first title in 29 years — and second overall.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina head coaching vacancy is the hottest job on the market after the school decided to part ways with Hubert Davis. Rumors have circulated about who the Tar Heels are considering as their next head coach, including Lloyd and his Final Four opponent, Michigan’s Dusty May. Lloyd addressed the situation during Thursday’s media availability two days before Arizona’s most important game so far.
Arizona HC Tommy Lloyd Insists Focus Is on Wildcats’ Final Four Quest
Lloyd was asked about the job opening in Chapel Hill and how he has been addressing the situation with people, including whether he will still be Arizona’s coach next season.
Lloyd, who is set to earn $5.5 million this season after signing an amended contract extension in April last year, held back on responding to rumors about North Carolina’s head coaching vacancy and emphasized that his focus is on leading Arizona in the Final Four.
“I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me. That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it,” Lloyd said. “I’m excited. I thought we had a really good practice today. I’m excited to play and for our practice tomorrow.”
Tommy Lloyd on the UNC job opening👀
“I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me… I’m 100% locked in on Arizona basketball right now… This team deserves my full attention, so that’s what I’m giving them.” pic.twitter.com/hcenczNm2L
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 2, 2026
He believes the Wildcats can accomplish something special this season, and that belief excites him for the entire NCAA Tournament stretch.
“I’m 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I’m excited to see what this team can do,” Lloyd said. “I have a real strong belief in this team, and this team deserves my full attention, so that’s what I’m giving them.”
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The 51-year-old Kelso, Washington, native has appeared twice in the Final Four and the National Championship Game in 2017 and 2021 as an assistant coach to Mark Few at Gonzaga, so he understands the demands and hardships of helping the team reach that level.
Now, Lloyd works hard to avoid outside distractions from becoming a target for the North Carolina head coaching job as he aims to lead Arizona to the national title — a feat that would surpass Few, who fell short in two attempts to give Gonzaga its first national championship.
Arizona, the West Region champion, is now two wins away from earning its second national title and its first in 29 years. However, the challenge will be tough, as the Wildcats face fellow top seed Michigan, the Midwest winner, in the Final Four on Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The winner will advance to play the victor of the other Final Four matchup between UConn and Illinois.
