There is at least one coach who can officially be crossed off the list of candidates for the North Carolina head coaching job, and his name isn't Dusty May.
The Michigan basketball head coach has continued to say he's "happy" in Ann Arbor. He also keeps reiterating that he won't speak about any job that is not his own.
That's all well and good. You can take May at his word. But after Arizona and head coach Tommy Lloyd agreed to a new five-year deal on Friday, that leaves the Tar Heels with one less option in Lloyd, who was a really good option. Some people thought he might be the favorite.
Turns out, he wanted to stay with the Wildcats. Dusty May has said he wants to stay at Michigan, but that doesn't mean UNC won't get desperate and throw everything that they have at him.
Expect UNC to turn up the head on Dusty May
Depending on what happens over the next few days, North Carolina could make a strong run at May. The Tar Heels made a run at Brad Stevens. He quickly shut them down. May could do the same thing.
Michigan AD Warde Manuel said he will do everything possible to keep May in Ann Arbor "for a long time." There have been reports that the two sides are "close" to a new deal. It's not expected to be hammered out until after the season.
May is due for a big bump. Two more wins, and the UNC job will be moot. North Carolina was always going to have to target the Final Four loser first. Now, they are down to one option, and like Michigan fans with Kalen DeBoer, UNC fans have to hope Michigan loses.
Because if the Wolverines do cut down the nets, that will effectively eliminate May, even before he has the chance to officially eliminate himself.