NCAA BASKETBALL: Arizona's Tommy Lloyd: 'Already have one of the best jobs in the country'

While his name is being mentioned as a candidate for the open North Carolina coaching job, Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd said Wednesday that his focus remains on his current team.

Speaking one day before Arizona’s Sweet 16 matchup against No. 4 Arkansas, Lloyd emphasized his commitment to the Wildcats.

“I already have one of the best jobs in the country,” Lloyd said during a press conference in San Jose, California. “One thing we talk about in our program all the time—and I think I’ve gotten better at it, and our team’s been crushing it this year—is the ability to have full focus and be present in the moment.”

Lloyd, 51, is among the top candidates for the North Carolina position after Hubert Davis was dismissed following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU.

Although Lloyd did not make any promises about staying at Arizona, coaching rumors often lead to contract adjustments for those linked to openings.

Currently in the second season of a five-year contract, Lloyd has guided Arizona to a 34-2 record, just one win shy of the program’s single-season best set in 1987-88. He is earning $5.1 million this season, with an $11 million buyout if he departs before April 15.

“I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament, game by game, but I’m not delusional,” Lloyd said. “I know we could lose tomorrow, but this team deserves my full focus. Nothing is going to knock me off my path. I’m 100% focused on Arizona basketball, and I can’t wait for the game to start tomorrow and figure out a way to come out on top.”

Lloyd owns a 146-35 record at Arizona and has lost in the Sweet 16 three times during his tenure. His other NCAA Tournament exit was a first-round loss to Princeton in 2023.

-Field Level Media/Reuters