ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines’ men’s basketball program suffered a significant setback Monday as head coach Dusty May is reportedly set to become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, leaving Ann Arbor just one day before the NBA Draft.
May becomes the first national championship-winning head coach to leave a program in the immediate offseason following a title since 1988, when Larry Brown departed Kansas months after leading the Jayhawks to a national championship to take over the San Antonio Spurs.
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He is also the first basketball coach to leave for an NBA head coaching position since John Beilein accepted the Cleveland Cavaliers job in 2019.
A historic turnaround
In just two seasons at Michigan, May engineered one of the nation’s most impressive turnarounds.
He compiled a 64-13 record while guiding the Wolverines to a national championship, a Big Ten regular-season title, and a Big Ten Tournament championship.
When May arrived in Ann Arbor, the program was coming off an 8-24 campaign under former head coach Juwan Howard in 2024.
Two years later, Michigan was back atop college basketball.
Manuel faces another coaching search
Athletic Director Warde Manuel now faces another major coaching search.
Manuel previously navigated a similar situation following the departure of football coach Jim Harbaugh after Michigan’s national championship season in 2023.
Rather than conducting an extensive external search, Manuel promoted offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to lead the football program.
His history also includes hiring Howard from the NBA ranks to replace Beilein in 2019.
If Manuel again opts for continuity, assistant coach Mike Boynton could emerge as a leading candidate.
Boynton has played a key role on May’s staff and has earned a reputation as Michigan’s defensive architect.
Boynton also brings head coaching experience after spending seven seasons at Oklahoma State.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Boynton guided the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance and coached future Detroit Pistons No. 1 overall draft pick Cade Cunningham.
Roster stability a concern
The timing of May’s departure creates additional challenges for Michigan as roster management becomes increasingly important in the era of the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation.
Despite losing Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara to the NBA Draft, Michigan remains highly regarded entering next season and is ranked No. 3 in several early preseason polls.
The Wolverines’ incoming talent includes five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., as well as J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam.
Michigan also would want to retain sophomore guard Trey McKenney and senior guard Elliot Cadeau, who was named the Most Outstanding Player (MOP/MVP) of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
Retaining those players could become a top priority for the program as it searches for May’s successor.
With the offseason already underway and expectations elevated following a national championship season, Manuel’s next move could determine whether Michigan sustains its momentum or faces another period of transition.