Elite coaching targets remain in the Final Four, freezing UNC's coveted search as contenders prioritize championship runs.
Last week, North Carolina made a tough decision to part ways with Hubert Davis, a former player and assistant, after losing to No. 11 VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
UNC is expected to be the most coveted job available this spring. The school has a long history of winning championships and giving its coaches plenty of resources to put the Tar Heels on top.
Florida head coach Todd Golden, Alabama head coach Nate Oats, Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, and Michigan head coach Dusty May have been tied to the program in recent days.
However, it appears UNC is hitting a snag before the Final Four on Saturday. Michigan and Arizona are set to play in the Final Four, and that could impact their candidacy for the Tar Heels.
On Saturday, Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 said UNC is in a "holding pattern" with Lloyd and May during the NCAA Tournament.
“What I can tell you about North Carolina right now is they’re in a bit of a holding pattern,” Goodman said. “Because the guys they want are still playing and might be playing through next week, Tommy Lloyd and Dusty May.
"So, if those guys end up winning in their Elite Eight matchups and go to the Final Four, both of them are probably going to say, ‘You know what? There’s no way I’m talking to them. You can talk to my agent all you want. But I’m not thinking about this right now.'”
Well, both of those coaches are heading to Indianapolis next week for a critical stretch of basketball for their careers. Amid those deep tournament runs, the transfer portal will open on April 7.
Even if Michigan had lost, Goodman didn't think UNC was seriously in the running to land May.
“My sources have told me it’s unlikely Dusty May takes Carolina,” Goodman said. “It’s unlikely. Not going to say it’s no chance, but Dusty May, as I’ve said before, is very happy, and his family is very happy at Michigan.”
Lloyd would have appeared to be a more approachable option than May. But with a trip to the Final Four on the line, UNC will have to wait.