Arizona's Tommy Lloyd Commits to Wildcats Through 2031

Head coach shuts down rumors of leaving for North Carolina job

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of cardinal red and navy blue representing the Arizona Wildcats' colors, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.Lloyd's commitment to Arizona solidifies the Wildcats' leadership and direction as they prepare for a Final Four showdown.Indianapolis Today

Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd announced that he will be staying with the program, shutting down rumors that he was in talks to take the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina. Lloyd has signed a new deal that will keep him in Tucson through the 2030-2031 season.

Why it matters

Lloyd's decision to remain at Arizona is a major boost for the Wildcats' basketball program, which has seen tremendous success under his leadership. His commitment provides stability and continuity as the team prepares for the Final Four.

The details

In a press conference, Lloyd stated that he is '100% locked in on Arizona basketball' and that the Wildcats 'deserve my full attention.' He acknowledged that he was considered for the North Carolina job but ultimately decided to stay at Arizona, where he has found great success since taking over as head coach in 2021.

  • On April 3, 2026, Lloyd announced he will be staying at Arizona.
  • Lloyd took the Arizona head coaching job in 2021 after a long stint as an assistant at Gonzaga.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, who has led the program to tremendous success since taking over in 2021.

Mark Few

The college basketball Hall of Famer who was Lloyd's mentor during his 22-season stint as an assistant coach at Gonzaga.

Desiree Reed-Francois

The athletic director at the University of Arizona, who has worked to keep Lloyd committed to the Wildcats program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy to announce, I'm staying at Arizona. We've been able to get some things done the past couple days...Arizona basketball, you know what it means to me when I say it's a special place and that always comes from the bottom of my heart.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

“I didn't want to make this entire Final Four about that, because I'm just a small part of something much bigger. But on that same note, I'd also like to let you know that North Carolina is an amazing place. I mean, it's a one of one and it's an honor to even be considered for that job.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

What’s next

Lloyd and the Wildcats will now turn their full attention to the Final Four, where they will look to win the national championship.

The takeaway

Lloyd's decision to remain at Arizona is a major win for the program, as he has established himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball. His commitment provides stability and continuity as the Wildcats aim to build on their recent success and compete for championships.