Tommy Lloyd's recent comments hint at a potential shift, suggesting Arizona will thrive even without him. North Carolina fans, take note of this intriguing statement.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd was one of the names immediately connected to North Carolina after the Tar Heels moved on from Hubert Davis last week.
Lloyd is in his first stint as a head coach with Arizona. With the Wildcats set to play in the Final Four on Saturday, it's fair to say his tenure there has been a successful one.
However, there has been a worry that UNC's coaching search is being somewhat delayed with Lloyd and Michigan's Dusty May making it to the Final Four.
While that could mean the Tar Heels have to wait until next week to name a coach, there is a possibility May or Lloyd would jump for a chance to coach at Chapel Hill.
Following Arizona's win over Purdue in the Elite Eight, Lloyd made a comment that should get the attention of Tar Heels fans. He suggested that the program would be fine if another coach came in next season.
"You know, the sun may be shining on this team and me coaching it right now, but when it’s shining on you, you got to fight to protect it and build it," Lloyd said.
"So that’s what I feel like my number one responsibility is, to fight to protect the program and fight to build it for those who came before me and for those that are going to follow after me, because you know what, Arizona is going to have another good coach after me. I promise you. The place is special."
It appears Lloyd is considering a future where Arizona will have another head coach. Before the Sweet 16, Lloyd made it clear he was focusing on the Wildcats’ run in the NCAA Tournament.
"I already have one of the best jobs in the country," Lloyd said.
"And one thing we talk about in our program all the time -- and I think I've gotten better at it, and I think our team's been crushing it this year -- is just the ability to have full focus and be present in the moment."
The moment will soon come when Arizona has no more games to play this season and Lloyd will have to decide on his immediate future with the program. Whether that comes on Saturday night or Monday night remains to be seen.
Given rumors about Lloyd's feeling about Arizona's athletic department, UNC could have a good chance to land the rising head coach.