Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd continues to try to distance himself from the North Carolina rumors, but he is not being very convincing.
Lloyd was asked once again about speculation linking him to the Tar Heels head coach job on Thursday, two days before his team takes on Michigan in the national semi-final at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, In. Lloyd tried to deflect the question by saying that his total focus was on Arizona.
“I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me,” Lloyd said. “That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it. I thought we had a really good practice today. I’m excited to plan for practice tomorrow.
“I’m a simple guy. I’m kind of just one thing at a time. I’m not a multi-tasker. 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
That certainly is not a clear “no,” as many were quick to note. Lloyd could at least quiet the speculation by making a clear statement that he has no interest in leaving for North Carolina, but he tellingly has not said anything like that.
If anything, Lloyd has provided additional fodder for those who think he will leave. Mentioning his hypothetical successor at Arizona immediately after reaching the Final Four is not going to provide much reassurance to the Wildcats.
Lloyd is believed to be one of three main targets in the North Carolina search, which is at least partially on hold due to the Final Four. He is 148-35 since taking over Arizona in 2021, and he keeps giving the Tar Heels tacit encouragement that he might be willing to listen to their pitch.
