Coaches Vie for UNC Job as Final Four Approaches

Dusty May and Tommy Lloyd rumored to be top candidates for North Carolina opening

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in shades of blue, yellow, and navy, conceptually representing the high-stakes competition for the UNC head coaching position.The race for the prestigious University of North Carolina head coaching job has become a major storyline heading into the NCAA Final Four.Indianapolis Today

As Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and Michigan's Dusty May prepare to face off in the NCAA Final Four, there is significant buzz that the two head coaches are the top candidates for the recently opened head coaching job at the University of North Carolina.

Why it matters

The UNC men's basketball head coaching position is one of the most prestigious jobs in college sports, and the potential hiring of either Lloyd or May would have major implications for their current programs as well as the future of the Tar Heels' storied basketball legacy.

The details

With North Carolina having fired its previous head coach earlier this year, speculation has mounted that either Lloyd or May could be the top choices to take over the Tar Heels' program. Both coaches have led their respective teams to the Final Four, adding to their credentials and the intrigue around their potential candidacies.

  • The Final Four is scheduled for April 5-7, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • North Carolina fired its previous head coach in February 2026.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the University of Arizona men's basketball team, who has led the Wildcats to the Final Four.

Dusty May

The head coach of the University of Michigan men's basketball team, who has led the Wolverines to the Final Four.

University of North Carolina

One of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, with a storied history and multiple national championships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an incredible opportunity for both Dusty and Tommy. The UNC job is one of the best in the country, and I'm sure they're both eager to be considered.”

— Jim Boeheim, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach

What’s next

The University of North Carolina is expected to conduct interviews and make a hiring decision in the coming weeks, likely before the start of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The race for the UNC head coaching job has become a major storyline heading into the Final Four, with two of the sport's rising stars, Dusty May and Tommy Lloyd, emerging as the top candidates for one of the most coveted positions in college basketball.