UArizona basketball hires Tommy Lloyd as next head coach

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona men's basketball program has found its next head coach.

The Wildcats have hired Gonzaga assistant coach Tommy Lloyd.

According to a news release from the university, Lloyd will receive a five-year contract, pending approval from the Board of Regents.

“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 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.”

Coach Lloyd released the following statement:

“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,” said Lloyd. “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.”

Lloyd had been with the Gonzaga program for two decades. During that time, the team had a record of 578-109.

The search Arizona's new coach began last week when the university announced it was parting ways with Sean Miller, who was the team's head coach for 12 years.

After the university announced the news last week, Athletic Director Dave Heeke said in a virtual news conference the team would be looking for a "high-level basketball coach that understands how to run a program of success."

Lloyd’s introductory press conference will be held in the McKale Center at 1:30pm on Thursday.

This is a developing story. Stay with KGUN 9 for the latest updates.