Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has his team just two wins away from its first national title since 1997, and just the second title in program history.
But for college coaches, such success is often paired with some uncomfortable questions about what’s next, and Lloyd’s case is no different. After turning Arizona into a perennial contender, and with the North Carolina job now open after the Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis upon their exit from the NCAA tournament, Lloyd’s name is unsurprisingly being floated for what is by far the top available job in the country.
On Thursday, Lloyd was asked point blank about his future plans, and rather than shut the rumors down, he deferred to simply focusing on the weekend ahead.
"Listen, 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 plan for our practice tomorrow. [Myron Metcalf], you've gotten to know me over the years and I'm a single, one thing at a time guy. I'm not a multitasker. You can ask my wife. I'm 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I'm excited to see what this team can do. I have a real strong belief in this team, and this team deserves my full attention, so that's what I'm giving them."
Tommy Lloyd on the UNC job opening👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 2, 2026
“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
Obviously, there’s still a long way to go before this saga comes to a close. There’s still plenty of moving pieces in play, including Arizona’s current run in the Final Four, and it’s fair that his focus is squarely on the important days ahead. Given how well things are going with the Wildcats, it’s very easy to see why staying with Arizona would be the first thought for Lloyd come next season.
That said, in being posed that question, Lloyd was given a pretty clear opportunity to simply say, “I don’t know about those rumors. I will be coaching at Arizona this fall,” and shut down the conversation rather definitively. He notably did not do that, and thus, the rumors are going to continue.
In just five days time, Arizona’s season will be over, either as champions, or just shy of the title. Once that business is settled, Lloyd might be able to better address the situation to the public.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Tommy Lloyd’s Latest Non-Denial Isn’t Going to Quiet the North Carolina Rumors.
