​Michigan has appointed a new full-time head coach for its basketball program, elevating Mike Boynton from interim leader to the top role. After Dusty May departed to take over in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, Boynton, who had been May’s assistant and defensive coordinator for two seasons, was selected to guide the Wolverines on a permanent basis. His promotion marks a continuation of the program’s recent stability and success, as Boynton has also played a crucial part in keeping Michigan’s talent intact in the wake of May’s departure, with several key players, incoming transfers, and recruits reaffirming their commitment to the Wolverines.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced the decision, describing Boynton as a veteran assistant with substantial head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard expected at Michigan. “Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success,” Manuel said. “Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season.”
Boynton has helped guide the Wolverines through a notably successful two-year stretch, during which the program has posted a 64-13 record. This includes a school-record 37 wins in the 2025-26 season, as well as a 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship, a 2026 Big Ten regular-season title, and a 2026 NCAA Tournament championship. Under his watch, Michigan ranked 12th nationally in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency in 2024-25 and then led the country in 2025-26, underscoring the team’s defensive prowess and overall improvement.
Former Michigan head coach Dusty May spoke highly of Boynton upon the announcement, saying, “You couldn’t ask for a better person to lead Michigan basketball. Mike has poured everything he has into this program from the day he got here. He’s an outstanding coach, an even better person, and our players believe in him because they see the work he puts in every single day. I’m incredibly proud of him … There’s nobody more deserving of this opportunity, and I know he’ll do an outstanding job leading this program.”
Boynton’s coaching journey includes seven seasons at Oklahoma State, where he compiled a 119-109 record and led the Cowboys to the NCAA tournament once, advancing to the second round in 2021. His move to Michigan places him at the helm of a program aiming to sustain the momentum built during its recent national championship season—the first for the Wolverines since 1989.
This transition comes as Michigan continues to position itself for sustained success in a highly competitive landscape. Boynton inherits a team that has demonstrated strong defensive identity and winning culture, while also balancing the expectations that come with a storied program and a national championship banner. As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Boynton translates his proven leadership and game-planning to maintain Michigan’s elevated level of performance, recruit effectively, and continue pursuing championships on both conference and national stages.