As UNC's coaching search unfolds, potential candidates respond to vacancy

Shelby Swanson, The News & Observer on Mar 26, 2026

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As North Carolina’s coaching search unfolds in the wake of Hubert Davis’ departure on Tuesday night, the noise has quickly spread beyond Chapel Hill. With the Sweet 16 tipping off later this week, multiple high-profile coaches — both in college and the NBA — have already been asked about their potential interest in one of the sport’s premier jobs.

Their answers, predictably, were measured. But if recent history is any indication, they should be taken with caution.

Just weeks ago at the ACC Tournament, Will Wade publicly downplayed interest in a return to LSU — only to depart for Baton Rouge on Thursday. It’s yet another reminder that, in March, coach-speak often reflects the moment more than the future.

That context matters when parsing the recent responses from coaches like Tommy Lloyd, T. J. Otzelberger and Billy Donovan — three names that have already been linked the opening at UNC.

Tommy Lloyd

Lloyd, currently leading Arizona into a Sweet 16 matchup against Arkansas at 9:45 p.m. Thursday night, insisted all his attention is with the Wildcats.

“I already have one of the best jobs in the country,” Lloyd said Wednesday. “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.”

He did not explicitly deny interest in a position at UNC.

“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.”

In five seasons, Lloyd has gone 146-35 at Arizona, winning three regular-season and three tournament titles across two conferences, while earning national coach of the year honors in 2022 and Big 12 Coach of the Year this season.

TJ Otzelberger

Otzelberger delivered an even firmer response, shooting down reports linking him to other jobs Wednesday.

The Iowa State head coach dismissed speculation outright, calling any connection to other jobs “not true.”

“As we move forward together, the alignment on our campus with (university president David) Cook, (athletic director) Jamie Pollard is amazing, and we’re thrilled and excited about our future together,” Otzelberger said. “There’s no questions about it, there’s nothing to talk about, there’s nothing else to answer. That’s the truth.”

Pollard backed Otzelberger publicly, writing on X that Otzelberger “is not going anywhere,” and “he will be our basketball coach for a long time!”

Otzelberger, in his fifth season at Iowa State Cyclones, is 124-52 with three Sweet 16s and signed a deal through 2032 worth $4 million annually with a $4 million buyout.

Billy Donovan

Donovan, currently with the Chicago Bulls, was asked about the UNC opening Wednesday.

Billy Donovan didn’t deny interest in the UNC opening following Davis’ exit, but emphasized his focus remains on the Bulls amid roster changes and an ongoing stretch of games.

“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan said before the Bulls faced the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But, I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago, having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back.”

The former Florida Gators coach, who hasn’t been in college since 2015, also noted the evolving landscape of the sport.

“Over the years, I’ve had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me,” Donovan said. “It’s different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. I’m focused on what I have to do right now. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game.”

Nate Oats

Oats shut down UNC speculation on Thursday, saying he’s “not looking to leave” Alabama basketball and remains focused on chasing the program’s first national title.

Oats, who has led the Crimson Tide, to multiple deep tournament runs and is under contract through 2031, emphasized his long-term commitment despite his name surfacing after Davis’ firing.

“As a young high school coach, I didn’t think I’d ever be in this spot not too long ago,” Oats said. “I’m not a guy that’s always trying to jump around. The grass isn’t always greener. I love Alabama. My girls love Alabama.”

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