Numerous media outlets are reporting that Tim Floyd is likely to be announced as the next coach at the University of Arizona.Tim Floyd, who took USC's basketball program to new heights, was offered the Arizona job Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation said.
The source, who asked to remain anonymous as he was not authorized to speak about the situation, said that Floyd met with Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood and was offered the position. Floyd is believed to have 24 hours to make a decision.
Floyd leaving USC for Arizona could be seen as poetic justice for long time Arizona fans, especially after U of A football coach Larry Smith left Arizona for USC following the 1986 season.
Floyd has led the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament the last three seasons. This past season, the Trojans won the Pac-Ten Tournament to earn the conference's automatic bid. USC finished 22-13, and advanced to the second round before losing to Midwest Regional Champion Michigan State.
Arizona asked permission to speak with Floyd on Tuesday. At the team banquet that night, Floyd gave an impassioned speech to players about staying at USC to win a national title, and not jumping to the NBA. He flew off to interview at Arizona on Wednesday.
Arizona asked permission to speak with Floyd on Tuesday. At the team banquet that night, Floyd gave an impassioned speech to players about staying at USC to win a national title, and not jumping to the NBA. He flew off to interview at Arizona on Wednesday.
Floyd, 55, was wooed by Louisiana State a year ago, which offered a multi-million contract. Floyd turned it down and said at the time, "This is my last job at SC."
Floyd spent the last four seasons at USC, compiling an 85-50 record. The Trojans reached the NCAA tournament the last three seasons, a first in the program's history, and made it to the Sweet 16 in 2007.
This season, USC won the Pacific 10 Conference tournament and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Floyd built a large part of his USC success on transient players, with O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson leaving for the NBA in 2008 after one season. Freshman DeMar DeRozan, a key player for the Trojans this season, is considering declaring for the NBA draft.
Floyd would replace Russ Pennell, who spent one season as the Wildcats coach after Lute Olson stepped down for health reasons last fall. Arizona reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament this season.
If Floyd leaves, it could affect the Trojans' incoming freshman class. Solomon Hill and Renardo Sidney, two top recruits for Los Angeles Fairfax High, have committed to USC but have not signed letters of intent. Hill, a 6-foot-6 forward, originally committed to Arizona, but pulled back after Olson stepped down. Sidney, a 6-10 center, is a highly sought after player, but has yet to take the SAT.
Floyd coached in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls from 1999 to 2002 and the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. He was also the coach at Iowa State, New Orleans and Idaho.
With the spring signing period coming up, and other coaching moves happening, Arizona might be able to salvage a decent recruiting class.
Let the Tim Floyd era at Arizona begin.
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