By JAMES MADDEN
Leading Arizona to a one-seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament, Tommy Lloyd’s name has circulated online as a potential suitor for North Carolina’s coaching vacancy. While Lloyd spoke about the job opening on Wednesday, he didn’t offer much insight on a potential contract change. On Thursday, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein published a statement from Arizona AD Desiree Reed-Francois on Thursday.
“Tommy has done a phenomenal job. He’s one of the best coaches in America,” she said. “We have been engaged with his representatives about a new contract since before the start of the NCAA Tournament. Those discussions will continue and it is our goal that he retires as a Wildcat.”
He has a reported buyout of around $11 million, should North Carolina pursue him, but it is expected to drop to around $9 million on April 15. When asked about the opening earlier this week, Lloyd said he already has one of the best jobs in the country, but didn’t explicitly reject the idea of leaving for North Carolina.
Lloyd is viewed as one of the frontrunners for the Tar Heels’ job, alongside TJ Otzelberger, Nate Oats and Billy Donovan.
Lloyd will coach in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday against Arkansas in San Jose.
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