Tommy Lloyd Reassures Fans That Full Attention on Arizona

Tommy Lloyd doubled down on his comments from earlier this week, suggesting that his full attention is on Arizona basketball.

Lloyd has been asked numerous times about the vacancy for the UNC head coaching job, which opened after North Carolina was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by VCU in the first round, leading to the firing of five-year head coach Hubert Davis.

Apr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) during open locker room ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With such a prestigious job now being open, only the best of the best in the college basketball sphere will be considered for the position. Lloyd’s name has come up several times in rumors and discussions, suggesting that the head man of the Wildcats could soon depart for one of college basketball’s most decorated programs.

Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd watches during a NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Purdue fell to Arizona 79-64. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lloyd’s Comments Earlier This Week

Earlier this week, Lloyd established that his attention is solely on Arizona right now, which is currently in the midst of a run to the Final Four. However, Lloyd has yet to specifically deny the rumors that he is taking the UNC job, leaving Wildcats fans awfully nervous as they head into an extremely pivotal time in the program’s history.

“This team has my full focus. Nothing, nothing, I promise you, nothing is knocking me off that path,” Lloyd said earlier this week.

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) dribbles the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Now, Lloyd is doubling down on his previous comments, once again suggesting that his full attention is on Arizona, and not at all on the possibility of taking the UNC job.

Mar 25, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd smiles during a practice session ahead of the west regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Lloyd Doubles Down

“Listen, 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'm excited. I thought we had a really good practice today. I'm excited to play and for our practice tomorrow."

"I'm a simple guy. I am kind of just one thing at a time. 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.”

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd walks off the court after an Elite Eight game against the Purdue Boilermakers of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

It makes sense as to why Lloyd is giving his full attention to Arizona in the present day, as the team is just two wins away from its second national title in the program’s long history. However, Lloyd’s refusal to acknowledge the elephant in the room with the Tar Heels' opening continues to spark rumors that the successful head coach could be departing for Chapel Hill in the near future.