Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd confirms his current job's unparalleled appeal, dismissing speculation about the UNC vacancy with unwavering focus.
With Hubert Davis out at North Carolina, big-name basketball coaches have started appearing as potential candidates for one of the biggest jobs in the sport.
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino and Boston Celtics executive Brad Stevens appear out of contention to become the leader of UNC.
Florida head coach Todd Golden is out of the NCAA Tournament after the No. 1 seed Gators lost to No. 9 seed Iowa in the second round on Sunday. UF appears ready to offer Golden a contract extension.
Other potential candidates still have their teams in the NCAA Tournament with the Sweet 16 set to start on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd addressed his potential candidacy at UNC, calling his current job with the Wildcats one of the best jobs in college basketball.
"I already have one of the best jobs in the country," Lloyd said, via ESPN.
"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."
No. 1 seed Arizona is set to play No. 4 seed Arkansas on Thursday. With a trip to the Elite Eight on the line, Lloyd is keeping his focus on the Razorbacks rather than a potential pay raise at Chapel Hill.
"I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament game by game, but I'm not delusional," Lloyd said. "I know we could lose tomorrow, but this team deserves my full focus. So, there's not one thing that is going to knock me off my path.
"I'm 100% focused on Arizona basketball and this program, and I can't wait till the ball gets thrown up tomorrow and then can't wait to try to figure out a way to come out on top."
Loyd is in his fifth season with Arizona and has a 146–35 overall record. His team has yet to advance past the Sweet 16, though he's made it to that round three times.
Lloyd, 51, was a 20-year assistant at Gonzaga before taking over at Arizona, his first-ever job as a head coach.