DUSTY MAY LEAVES MICHIGAN FOR DALLAS MAVERICKS HEAD COACHING JOB
Former Michigan Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dusty May
At the Michigan men's basketball April 2026 national championship celebration, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that Dusty May had agreed to a deal to lead the Wolverines "for many years to come". Now, just 73 days later, Dusty May is headed to the NBA.
According to multiple reports, May has accepted the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks, ending a highly successful two-year run in Ann Arbor. The news sent shock waves through the college basketball world as May was building one of the best men's basketball programs in the country. May has led the Wolverines to a 37-3 record, a Big Ten title, and the program's first national championship since 1989.
May arrived in Ann Arbor in 2024 after a successful stint at Florida Atlantic, where he led the Owls to a Final Four appearance in 2023. In just two seasons with the Wolverines, he transformed the program into a national powerhouse, compiling a 64-13 record and quickly becoming one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.
New Michigan Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Boynton Jr.
The Wolverines don't have to look far for their new coach. Michigan is expected to turn to Mike Boynton Jr. as its next head coach following Dusty May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
Prior to Michigan, Boynton was the head coach for seven seasons at Oklahoma State. He joined Michigan's staff in 2024 as Dusty May's top assistant and playing a key role in the Wolverines' rise to a national championship. Promoting Boynton would provide continuity for a roster built to contend in 2026-27 while giving Michigan a coach with both head coaching experience and strong recruiting ties across the country.
Promoting Boynton quickly is a great first step, but the Wolverines will still have to weather the storm for the next two to three weeks. Under NCAA rules, a special 15-day transfer window will open for Wolverines players five days after the university publicly announces its new head coach, or if no hire is made within 30 days.
Arguably one of the Wolverines’ best players, Trey Mckenney, announced he would be staying put in Ann Arbor. The former five-star recruit played a big role in the Wolverines national title run down the stretch. McKenney stated on social media, “Victors always stay”, shutting down any speculation of entering the transfer portal.
While the opportunity to coach in the NBA was undoubtedly appealing, May's departure also reflects the growing challenges facing college athletics. The transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and constant roster turnover have dramatically changed the job description for college coaches.
Michigan now faces the difficult task of replacing the coach who brought the program back to the top of college basketball. As well as keeping one of the best rosters in the Big Ten intact.