AD: Arizona wants Tommy Lloyd to retire a Wildcat, contract discussions continue

Arizona remains engaged with men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd’s representatives over a new contract amid reports linking the head coach to North Carolina’s opening, athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.

Reed-Francois added the goal is to have Lloyd retire as a Wildcat, and that discussions regarding a new deal started before the NCAA Tournament and the Wildcats’ Sweet 16 prep for Arkansas.

“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.”

Reed-Francois’ comments to Rothstein come after Lloyd and others were quickly connected to the open North Carolina job following the firing of Hubert Davis on Tuesday.

When asked about the reporting on Wednesday, Lloyd told reporters he remains “100% focused” on Arizona ahead of its Sweet 16 tilt.

“I already have one of the best jobs in the country,” Lloyd said. “One thing we talk about in our program all the time — and I think I’ve gotten better at, and I think our team’s been crushing it this year — is the ability to have full focus and to be present in the moment.

“I think we have a great team. I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament game by game. But I’m not delusional, I know we could lose tomorrow. But this team deserves my full focus. There’s not one thing that’s going to knock me off my path. I’m 100% focused on Arizona basketball and this program. I can’t wait until the ball gets thrown up tomorrow and then can’t wait to figure out a way to come out on top.”

Lloyd has gone 146-35 (.807) since joining Arizona’s ranks in 2021. He’s made the NCAA Tournament five straight seasons, highlighted by now four Sweet 16 appearances.

He has won Coach of the Year multiple times (2021-22, 2025-26) but has yet to reach the Elite Eight with the Wildcats. That could change this time around, though, as Lloyd has arguably his best team since taking over for Sean Miller.

Arizona tips off against Arkansas in the Sweet 16 on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. MST.

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