Michigan basketball has made it official, naming Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim head coach after reports of the move about 24 hours before. The decision needed to be made after news broke that Dusty May was leaving to coach the Dallas Mavericks, with an official announcement that he’s been hired on a five-year deal coming on Tuesday afternoon. “While we are disappointed to see Dusty leave Michigan, we are deeply grateful to the May family for the lasting impact they have made on our program and our university,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “In just two seasons, Dusty restored Michigan basketball to national prominence and led our Wolverines through one of the greatest chapters in program history, culminating in our first national championship in 37 years. His leadership, vision, and belief in our student-athletes helped create a culture of excellence that made the entire Michigan community proud. “We thank Dusty for his commitment to our program and the University of Michigan, and we wish him, Anna, and their family continued success as he begins this next chapter with the Dallas Mavericks.” May went 64-13 in two seasons in Ann Arbor, which included the best year in program history in 2025-26. U-M set a program record for wins (37) a Big Ten record for wins in the league (19), became the first team in the league to sweep its road slate in 50 years before ending with a national title in Indianapolis.
He helped land three players from the transfer portal in Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati), J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) and Jalen Reed (LSU) while bringing in six freshman, which included McDonald’s All-Americans Brandon McCoy and Quinn Costello. The timing of the decision to promote Boynton is key. MORE ON WHAT WARDE SAID: Michigan AD Warde Manuel 'disappointed' Dusty May leaving for NBA Since it’s the middle of summer, the coaching carousel was essentially finished and most rosters are complete.
For now, Michigan isn't conducting an extensive coaching search for May's replacement, but instead promoting from within for some immediate stability. Boynton has seven years of experience running a program as Oklahoma State’s head coach, where he recruited Cade Cunningham and made one NCAA Tournament. He was in charge of Michigan’s defense last year, which was dominant in nearly every major metric. “With summer workouts starting this week, Mike Boynton has been appointed head coach in an interim capacity,” Manuel said. “Mike has been an invaluable member of our staff and a respected leader throughout his career. He knows what Michigan basketball represents and has earned the trust and respect of our student-athletes and everyone in our program.
His experience, character and commitment to our values make him the right person to guide the team during this transition.” The primary focus for the Wolverines now is to keep their players out of the transfer portal, which will open for 15 days, a window that begins five days after a new coach is named, which in this case is Sunday, June 28. Michigan believes Boynton’s respect with recruits, their families and in the basketball community at large will help the program keep its team largely intact, as it looks to defend its national championship. Michigan has what looks like a top-10 roster heading into next season, but now the question is can it keep it that way and protect key members of its staff as well from leaving with May. “Michigan basketball’s tradition is as strong as ever, and our future remains bright,” Manuel said. “We will move forward with confidence, pride, and an unwavering commitment to the championship standard that defines this program.”
