Arizona gives Tommy Lloyd five-year contact extension

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The University of Arizona has given head basketball coach Tommy Lloyd a contract extension through 2029.

The school announced the five-year deal on Monday, Feb. 19, the same day a new athletics director was named.

Lloyd’s contract will have to be approved by the Arizona Board of Regents.

“Tommy has proven to be a championship coach, an exceptional leader and recruiter, and has reinvigorated Wildcat pride by transforming the University of Arizona men’s basketball program back into one of the top programs in the nation. We are thrilled that he will remain a Wildcat for years to come,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “Thanks to the generosity of many in our community who love and support this university and are invested in its future, donor funds have been secured to cover the full cost increase of the extension.”

The school said donations will “fully cover the increase in Lloyd’s university-paid compensation throughout the term of the extension.” The University of Arizona is currently facing a financial crisis but has a plans to cut into the $140 million shortfall.

Lloyd’s five-year agreement includes $5.25 million in the first year jumping to $6 million in Year 5. That total compensation includes base salary and additional duties pay plus annual funding from agreements with Nike and Learfield.

Since arriving in Tucson in 2021, Lloyd has led the Wildcats to an 81-16 overall record, including going 43-11 in Pac-12 Conference play. He set the NCAA record for most wins by a head coach through his first two seasons with 61, while guiding Arizona to the 2022 Pac-12 regular season championship and back-to-back Pac-12 Tournament titles in 2022 and 2023.

Arizona, currently No. 4 in the nation, has been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll for 52 straight weeks.

“I am humbled and grateful to finalize a long-term extension here at the University of Arizona. I am energized by the support of our fans, our players, our alumni, President Robbins, the Board of Regents and our donors,” said Lloyd. “All of us are aligned on maintaining a highly competitive and nationally recognized basketball program that provides a great experience for the student-athletes. We will continue to honor the Wildcat basketball heritage and give everything we have to make people proud to say ‘Bear Down!’”

Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold

Copyright 2024 13 News. All rights reserved.