Arizona Hires Gonzaga Assistant Tommy Lloyd

TUCSON, AZ — The Arizona Wildcats have hired longtime Gonzaga University assistant Tommy Lloyd as the school's new men's basketball head coach.

The news ends the Wildcats' seven-day search to replace Sean Miller, who was fired by the university last week.

Lloyd comes to Tucson after spending spending two decades as the Bulldogs' assistant coach, serving as the "head coach in waiting" behind longtime Gonzaga head coach Mark Few.

Lloyd spent 20 seasons as an assistant under Few and is renowned for his ability to recruit international talent.

Lloyd will receive a five-year contract, pending Board of Regents Approval, according to a university release.

“We are thrilled that Tommy and his family are joining the Wildcat Family and reestablishing our men’s basketball program among the elite in the nation,” said Arizona Vice President of Athletics Dave Heeke. “After speaking with a tremendous pool of candidates, and with so many in and out of the college basketball world, it became clear that Tommy has the passion, the experience, the knowledge, the coaching and recruiting acumen and the drive to lead us to championships. He has been a big part of the incredible rise and success of Gonzaga Basketball and is well-respected for his partnership with that program’s head coach, Mark Few. We are looking forward to what’s next, and we welcome Tommy, Chanelle and their children, Liam, Sophia Marie and Maria Alexis to Tucson.”

He's credited with signing future NBA players, Domantas Sabonis, Kevin Pangos, Kelly Olynyk and Ronny Turiaf.

Lloyd has helped Few guide Gonzaga to 19 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2021 championship game.

He joined Gonzaga's staff in 2001 and previously served as an administrative assistant for the program in 2000.

Prior to that, Lloyd played professionally in Australia and Germany.

Lloyd thanked Heeke and Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins for hiring him to replace Miller, saying he's thrilled to coach at a school with such rich basketball history.

“I am extremely grateful to President Robbins and Dave Heeke for the incredible opportunity to lead one of the country’s most storied men’s basketball programs,” Lloyd said. “While there are certainly potential obstacles ahead for our program, I embrace the challenge as we will build on the foundation in place to compete for PAC-12 and national championships. I know how much Arizona Basketball means to the institution, its fans, its community and the state, and I cannot wait to get started. That works begin now. My family and I are excited to settle in Tucson and begin a new chapter.”