Tommy Lloyd Ranked 10th in Pay Among 2025-26 College Basketball Coaches Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd ranked 10th among 75 public university basketball coaches in total earnings during the 2025-26 season, according to a survey by USA Today. His total compensation of $5,500,000 placed him behind top earners like Bill Self of Kansas, who topped the list with $8,853,800 in earnings. Lloyd’s salary of $5,100,000 placed him 12th, while his other pay of $400,000 ranked fifth, and his maximum bonuses of $1,260,000 placed him 10th. The survey excluded private universities, which are not required to disclose coach salaries. Lloyd’s total earnings were second in the Big XII conference, trailing only Kelvin Sampson of Houston, who earned $5,500,000. Scott Drew of Baylor followed with $5,474,290, and Lloyd secured fourth place. In the category of other pay, Lloyd ranked second in the Big XII behind Alex Jensen of Utah, who received $800,000. Meanwhile, Dan Hurley of Connecticut stood out as the only coach in the top 25 not affiliated with a Power Four football school, earning $8,025,000 in total pay. Chris Beard of Mississippi led all coaches nationally in other pay with $4,850,000, while Rick Barnes of Tennessee topped the maximum bonuses category with $3,000,000. Bobby Hurley of Arizona State ranked third nationally in maximum bonuses with $2,090,000, finishing second in the Big XII behind Tad Boyle of Colorado, who earned $1,427,500. Lloyd’s contract extension earlier this month included a $23,900,000 buyout clause, which would deter other programs from pursuing him, similar to how North Carolina avoided pursuing Hubert Davis. Lloyd’s financial incentives are tied to his performance, with another deep NCAA Tournament run expected to boost his bonuses.#kansas #bill_self #kelvin_sampson #usa_today #tommy_lloyd
Arizona's Lloyd to Report Directly to UA President Under New Contract Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd will now report directly to University of Arizona president Suresh Garimella on matters of performance, compensation, and budget, according to a newly approved contract obtained by the Arizona Daily Star. The agreement, which was finalized in April 2025 and approved by the Arizona Board of Regents on April 16, restructures Lloyd’s oversight responsibilities, shifting key decision-making authority from athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois to Garimella. The contract, revealed through a public records request, outlines that Garimella will have "exclusive authority" over Lloyd’s job performance, financial compensation, and budgetary allocations, including the university’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) budget. While Reed-Francois will remain involved in operational and facility planning, the document indicates that Garimella will oversee revenue-sharing agreements for athletes and the university’s ability to raise external NIL funds. This arrangement marks a significant shift from Lloyd’s previous contract, which required him to report directly to Reed-Francois with additional oversight from Garimella. Lloyd’s five-year contract, set to pay him $37.5 million through 2030-31, includes provisions for collaborative budget planning. The agreement specifies that the university and Lloyd will jointly establish an annual NIL budget, which must be approved by the university no later than February 15 of the preceding year. Additionally, an operational budget for the men’s basketball program, covering capital projects and other expenses, must be submitted by May 15 of the prior fiscal year.#tommy_lloyd #university_of_arizona #suresh_garimella #arizona_daily_star #desiree_reedfrancois
Behind the scenes of the NCAA Tourney in San Jose SAN JOSE — Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. reflected on his decision to decline an invitation to join USA Basketball’s U19 team last summer, emphasizing his bond with coach Tommy Lloyd. Acuff, who will lead the Razorbacks into a Sweet 16 matchup against Lloyd’s Arizona team, described playing for the UA coach as “one of the great experiences of my lifetime.” The 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup MVP highlighted the emotional weight of informing Lloyd of his choice, stating, “I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t just leave a message. I had to hit him back. I love coach Tommy. He’s a great coach.” Acuff’s decision to prioritize his college team over the USA squad was driven by family and team dynamics. “I wanted to be on my team the whole summer and get closer with them,” he said. While he declined to comment on similarities between Arizona’s Wildcats and the USA’s U18 team, he praised Lloyd’s coaching philosophy, calling him “a great connector coach” who instills confidence and competitiveness. Lloyd, in turn, praised Acuff’s character and talent, calling him “a supreme talent” and “a great young man.” The coach noted Acuff’s ability to elevate his game in high-stakes moments, describing him as someone who “has the eye of the tiger” and thrives under pressure. “I’m sure we’re going to get a great effort out of Darius tomorrow,” Lloyd said ahead of the game. The matchup between Arkansas and Arizona drew insights from Texas assistant coach David Miller, a UA graduate with deep ties to the program. Miller, who previously coached under Sean Miller at Xavier and Texas, highlighted Arizona’s physicality and defensive versatility. “They’re as athletic as any team I’ve ever scouted,” he said, noting Arizona’s ability to switch defenses without losing effectiveness.#arizona #arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #tommy_lloyd #san_jose
Why No. 1 Seed Arizona Built With Freshmen, Not 'Overpriced' Transfers SAN DIEGO – The Arizona men’s basketball team has dominated this season with its freshman class, scoring more points than any other freshman group in the nation. The five active freshmen on the roster have combined for 1,461 points, leading the country as the team heads into the NCAA Tournament. This achievement is notable for two reasons: the team’s recent success and the unconventional approach to roster building in an era dominated by transfer portal activity. Arizona’s freshmen have been instrumental in the team’s 32-2 record, with the Wildcats securing nine consecutive wins. As a No. 1 seed, they will face Long Island University in the tournament opener on March 20. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s strategy of prioritizing freshmen over experienced transfers has defied current trends, where older players often seek higher compensation through name, image, and likeness deals. Lloyd explained that the team’s focus on freshmen was based on limited availability of high-quality transfers and concerns about inflated NIL deals. He also cited Duke’s success with young players as a factor, noting how the Blue Devils’ freshman-heavy roster in 2024, including future NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg, performed exceptionally well. Despite initial skepticism about the effectiveness of a young roster, Lloyd believed the talent would justify the risk. Arizona’s roster includes seven freshmen, including Bryce James, the son of LeBron James, who is redshirting this season but remains a focal point due to his massive social media following. This approach mirrors older recruiting strategies, where teams invested heavily in developing freshman talent.#tommy_lloyd #arizona_men_s_basketball #long_island_university #bryce_james #duke_men_s_basketball
Arizona Men's Basketball Earns 1-Seed in 2026 NCAA Tournament The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship bracket was officially released on Sunday, and the University of Arizona Wildcats secured a 1-seed in the West Region. This marks the eighth time in program history that Arizona has been selected as a top seed, adding to their 40th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament—a total that ranks seventh in NCAA history. The Wildcats will open their tournament run on March 20 at 10:35 a.m. MST on TNT, facing No. 16 seed LIU at Viejas Arena in San Diego, Calif. The broadcast will feature analysts Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan VanGundy, and Lauren Shehadi. Arizona’s selection as a 1-seed comes during the fifth season under head coach Tommy Lloyd, continuing a streak of NCAA Tournament appearances for the program. This is the second time Lloyd has guided the Wildcats to a 1-seed, following their 2022 tournament run. The team’s first-round matchup in San Diego is significant, as Arizona has previously advanced in the tournament from the venue twice. In 2022, the top-seeded Wildcats defeated Wright State before overcoming 9-seed TCU in an overtime victory. The 2013-14 team also made an impression in San Diego, sweeping Weber State and Gonzaga in the first two rounds. The selection highlights Arizona’s consistent performance in the NCAA Tournament, with the program now tied for seventh in all-time appearances. The 1-seed status underscores the team’s strength, as they will face a challenging 16th-seeded LIU squad. The game will be broadcast on TNT, providing national exposure for the Wildcats’ opening round contest. Tickets for the event are available through the provided link, allowing fans to support the team in San Diego.#tnt #tommy_lloyd #university_of_arizona_wildcats #viejasc_arena #liu
Arizona Wildcats Set for NCAA Tournament: Key Strategies and Pitfalls Arizona’s men’s basketball team is preparing for its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a streak that has continued under coach Tommy Lloyd. Entering the tournament with a 32-2 record, the Wildcats have dominated the Big 12 regular season and tournament, setting the stage for a deep run in March Madness. With their first-round matchup against Long Island University in San Diego, the team must balance its strengths while avoiding critical mistakes to advance further. A cornerstone of Arizona’s success has been its ability to control the paint. Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas, and Koa Peat form a formidable frontcourt trio, each bringing unique skills to the low post. Awaka’s footwork and finishing ability, Krivas’ efficient hook shots, and Peat’s fadeaway jumper create multiple threats for defenders. This dominance forces opponents to adjust their strategies, often leaving the guards open to exploit the perimeter. Maintaining this paint presence will be vital, as few teams have matched Arizona’s efficiency in the paint this season. The Wildcats’ three-point shooting, while not elite, has been effective when executed strategically. Arizona shoots 36% from beyond the arc, but the quality of their shots matters more than quantity. The offense prioritizes open looks, often funneling the ball to the interior before distributing to perimeter threats. This approach has led to timely three-pointers in critical moments, a trait that could define their tournament success. However, consistency in shooting will be tested against tougher competition. Staying out of foul trouble is another priority, particularly for the big men. Four Wildcats have fouled out this season, including Awaka, Krivas, Peat, and Brayden Burries.#arizona_wildcats #tommy_lloyd #tobe_awaka #motiejus_krivas #koapat
