Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger doesn’t seem to be leaving Ames, Iowa, anytime soon.
While Otzelberger’s name was one of several prominent coaches tied to the newly-opened North Carolina job, Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 said on Thursday that the Iowa State coach is not in the mix for the job.
“TJ Otzelberger is NOT in the mix at Carolina, and by his own doing,” Goodman said. “He was in their first tier, according to sources.”
NEW: "TJ Otzelberger is NOT in the mix at Carolina, and by his own doing. He was in their first tier, according to sources. But he's a different dude."@GoodmanHoops with the latest on the UNC search 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 26, 2026
🎥: https://t.co/utboyuhocB pic.twitter.com/NYKZtiFpFC
Otzelberger later made it very clear as he spoke to reporters in a press conference on Thursday.
Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger on North Carolina job speculation:
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) March 26, 2026
“We’re Cyclones for the long haul.”
And:
“There wouldn't be any other place in America I'd rather be than Iowa State.” pic.twitter.com/4z5rrSMeG2
Once North Carolina moved on from head coach Hubert Davis on Tuesday, several names surfaced, with Otzelberger’s among them. Alabama’s Nate Oats was also there, and he responded to those rumors before the Sweet 16 round.
Brad Stevens has reportedly removed his name from consideration, and Chicago Bulls and ex-Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan is viewed as a top option.
Otzelberger spent three seasons at South Dakota State and two at UNLV before coming to Iowa State in 2021. He has taken the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament every season, including three trips to the Sweet 16.
Otzelberger and Iowa State are a No. 2 seed this time, and the Cyclones take on No. 6 Tennessee on Friday at the United Center in Chicago, Ill.
