ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are expected to promote assistant Mike Boynton Jr. to interim head coach following Dusty May’s departure.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel reported that Michigan players were informed on Monday (June 22) that Boynton Jr. is expected to be named interim head coach of the Wolverines.
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Sources: Michigan is working toward hiring Mike Boynton Jr. as interim coach, per @PeteThamel, @jeffborzello and me. pic.twitter.com/UgJQ23KrEP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 22, 2026
The move comes in the wake of May’s exit after leading Michigan to a national championship season, leaving Athletic Director Warde Manuel with a major decision at a critical point in the offseason.
.@PeteThamel breaks down what makes Michigan assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. a good option for the interim coach position with the Wolverines ✍️ pic.twitter.com/G8hsztzfuV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 22, 2026
Boynton’s background, influence on program
Boynton, 44, joined May’s staff and quickly became one of the program’s most influential assistants, earning recognition as an architect of Michigan’s defense.
He also brings extensive head coaching experience, having spent seven seasons at Oklahoma State.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Boynton Jr. led the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance and coached Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, who was selected by the Detroit Pistons.
Michigan players have been told that this is the expected direction, per ESPN sources. https://t.co/rnZ3KkC4B6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 22, 2026
Transition timeline, roster concerns
Once Boynton Jr.’s promotion becomes official, players and staff will have a 15-day window to explore other opportunities, making roster retention an immediate priority.
Michigan has already seen several key players depart for the NBA Draft, including Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara.
Despite those losses, the Wolverines remain one of the nation’s most highly regarded programs entering next season and have been ranked as high as No. 3 in several early preseason polls.
Incoming class, key returners
The Wolverines’ incoming class features five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., along with J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam, giving the program a strong foundation moving forward.
Michigan also hopes to retain sophomore guard Trey McKenney and senior guard Elliot Cadeau, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
Keeping key contributors in Ann Arbor could become one of the program’s top priorities as it navigates the coaching transition.
Boynton Jr. is also believed to have played a significant role in recruiting several current and incoming Wolverines, potentially helping stabilize the roster during a period of uncertainty.
With expectations remaining high following a championship season, Michigan’s next steps in the coaching search could significantly impact the program’s ability to sustain its recent success.
--> What’s next for Michigan basketball? Wolverines face major questions after Dusty May’s departure