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Michael Jordan Reportedly Gets on a Call With Top Basketball Coach for UNC Job

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abdul Bari Khan | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 10:26 AM ET

In college basketball, rumors tend to spread fast, particularly when a blue-blood program is involved. And when the conversation includes one of the sport’s most iconic names, the buzz grows even louder. That’s exactly what is happening as Michael Jordan is reportedly getting involved in North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball’s next head-coach hiring.

During the most recent episode of the 'Colin Cowherd Podcast', guest Doug Gottlieb shared a major rumor. The Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball head coach believes the most famous alumnus of the Tar Heels program may have reached out to Tommy Lloyd, the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball.

The conversation began when Cowherd jokingly mentioned Lloyd’s rumored move to UNC, noting how comfortable the Wildcats coach appears during the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. But Gottlieb quickly pushed back. “Don’t laugh at that yet, Colin. That’s the working rumor in college basketball,” he said.

Green Bay HC Doug Gottlieb says rumor is MJ called Tommy Lloyd Friday night about the UNC job pic.twitter.com/fdxvyADc99
— Franklin’s Place (@tarheels1126) March 30, 2026

Gottlieb added that Arizona may struggle to keep Lloyd after his impressive season, as multiple programs are expected to pursue him. He also mentioned Lloyd’s reported “fractured relationship with the athletic director” as a possible factor. “I was told that Michael Jordan called him (Tommy Lloyd) two nights ago,” Gottlieb claimed.

It was only two years ago that Lloyd extended his contract with Arizona through the 2029–30 season. He is set to earn $4.4 million this season, along with a possible $700,000 bonus for additional duties. Meanwhile, former UNC head coach Hubert Davis reportedly earned $3.85 million annually before his firing.

Despite Arizona offering a higher salary than UNC, another major factor in any negotiations could be Jordan himself. His involvement in the process could significantly boost the Tar Heels’ chances of landing a top coach like Lloyd.

However, with Lloyd’s buyout reportedly set at $11 million, the billionaire Jordan would likely need to play a key role if UNC hopes to lure the coach away. For now, though, Lloyd has more immediate priorities, as Arizona sits just two wins away from a national championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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