By R.L. Bynum
While not coming close to closing the door on taking another job, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd addressed his comments over the weekend that there would be “another good coach” after him.
During a press conference Tuesday in Tucson, Ariz., before his No. 3 Wildcats (36–2) face No. 3 Michigan (35–3) in a national semifinal at 8:49 p.m. Saturday in Indianapolis, he reasserted that this team has his entire focus.
“It’s absolutely true,” Lloyd said. “There’s got to be another coach. This is a great program. I didn’t say when. I mean, and people are going to speculate all they want. Guys, this team has my full focus. Nothing, nothing, nothing, I promise you nothing, is knocking me off that path.”
Lloyd is one of UNC’s top targets to replace Hubert Davis as North Carolina’s coach, but the UNC administration can’t officially talk to him until after his season is over. That could be on Saturday, but it might not be until Monday if Arizona gets past the Wolverines.
“You guys might call them distractions, because you’re distracted,” Lloyd said to reporters. “That doesn’t mean I’m distracted or we’re distracted.”
He then talked about the experience of coaching in the Final Four and eliminating distractions. He was an assistant coach when Gonzaga lost to North Carolina in the 2017 national championship game.
“It’s pretty cool,” Lloyd said. “Once you get some experience in this deal and you’re a player or you’re a coach, you get pretty good at eliminating the distractions. So, I think I’m pretty good at that, and I just can’t wait to get the practice [Tuesday]. I’m gonna go meet with the staff right now. “
To get Lloyd, Carolina would have to pay his $9-million buyout. Lloyd is signed through the 2029–30 season, earning roughly $4.4 million annually plus $700,000 in supplemental-duties compensation.
Below is a video of his comments over the weekend.
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Photo via YouTube screenshot
