Arizona's Lloyd Sees Buyout Drop Ahead of Final Four

North Carolina's coaching search could be impacted by the change in Lloyd's contract.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conveying the intricate financial and strategic factors at play in North Carolina's coaching search.The complex financial considerations of North Carolina's coaching search are reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration of a basketball game.Indianapolis Today

As the Arizona Wildcats prepare to face the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four, there has been an update to head coach Tommy Lloyd's buyout clause. With the calendar flipping to April 1st, Lloyd's buyout has dropped from $11 million to $9 million, which could play a role in North Carolina's coaching search as they look to replace Hubert Davis.

Why it matters

North Carolina will be paying a $5 million buyout to Hubert Davis, so a $2 million decrease in Lloyd's buyout could make him a more attractive candidate. However, the Tar Heels' coaching search has been quiet, and it remains to be seen if they will pursue Lloyd once Arizona's season is complete.

The details

Lloyd's buyout clause at Arizona changed on April 1st, dropping from $11 million to $9 million. This could impact North Carolina's coaching search, as the Tar Heels are rumored to be interested in Lloyd and Dusty May as potential replacements for Hubert Davis. North Carolina will need to pay a $5 million buyout to Davis, so the $2 million decrease in Lloyd's buyout could make him a more viable option financially.

  • The Arizona Wildcats are set to face the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four on Saturday, April 1st.
  • Lloyd's buyout clause at Arizona dropped from $11 million to $9 million on April 1st.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who is rumored to be a top candidate for the North Carolina head coaching job.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who is leaving the program and will require a $5 million buyout.

Dusty May

Another rumored candidate for the North Carolina head coaching job, along with Tommy Lloyd.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Once Arizona's season is complete, the North Carolina coaching search is expected to intensify, with a decision on Lloyd or another candidate likely to be made.

The takeaway

The decrease in Tommy Lloyd's buyout at Arizona could make him a more attractive candidate for the North Carolina head coaching job, but the Tar Heels will still need to weigh the financial implications of hiring Lloyd versus other potential candidates.