Arizona Retains Lloyd and Dillingham After Final Four Run

University leadership backs key coaching staff to continue building basketball program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:29pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of cardinal red, navy blue, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Arizona Wildcats' coaching staff will look to build on their Final Four appearance with a renewed commitment to the program's future.Indianapolis Today

Even before the Arizona Wildcats made it to the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis, head coach Tommy Lloyd was rumored to be a top candidate for the open position at the University of North Carolina. However, Lloyd has decided to remain in Tucson, along with offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, after receiving strong support from the Arizona Board of Regents to continue leading the Wildcats' basketball program.

Why it matters

Retaining Lloyd and Dillingham is a major win for the Arizona basketball program, which has seen a resurgence under their leadership. Keeping the coaching staff intact will allow the Wildcats to build on their Final Four appearance and compete for national championships in the coming years.

The details

Lloyd, who just completed his fifth season as Arizona's head coach, led the team to a 34-4 record and the school's first Final Four appearance since 2001. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, who has been with Lloyd since his arrival in Tucson, has also been instrumental in the team's success. The Arizona Board of Regents has thrown its full support behind the coaching staff, approving additional resources and funding to keep Lloyd and Dillingham in place.

  • The Arizona Wildcats reached the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis on April 1, 2026.
  • Rumors of North Carolina's interest in Tommy Lloyd as their next head coach surfaced in early April 2026.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, leading the program to the Final Four in 2026.

Kenny Dillingham

The offensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, working closely with head coach Tommy Lloyd.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who parted ways with the school prior to the 2026-27 season.

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What’s next

The Arizona Wildcats will look to build on their Final Four appearance and compete for a national championship in the 2026-27 season with Tommy Lloyd and Kenny Dillingham leading the way.

The takeaway

Retaining the coaching staff that led Arizona to the Final Four is a major coup for the university, as it signals a long-term commitment to the basketball program and a desire to compete at the highest level. This move should help the Wildcats maintain their momentum and continue to attract top talent to Tucson.