​Michigan has appointed its next full-time head coach. Dusty May departed the Wolverines to take the reins of the Dallas Mavericks after capturing a national championship this past season, and with May’s sudden exit, the program named top assistant Mike Boynton as interim coach. Now, Boynton is being entrusted with the role on a permanent basis.
On Friday, Michigan officially removed the interim designation and announced Boynton as the head coach. In the release, the school stated that Boynton has agreed to a two-year contract. Athletics director Warde Manuel praised Boynton, saying, “Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect 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. 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.”
Promoting Boynton makes sense given May’s abrupt departure, but stepping into May’s shoes will be a significant challenge in Ann Arbor. Boynton does bring head-coaching experience to the table, though his tenure at Oklahoma State included some fluctuations. In seven seasons as the Cowboys’ head coach, only four seasons reached records above .500, and the program made the NCAA tournament just once, advancing to the Round of 32 in 2021. His 119-109 record as a head coach doesn’t exactly evoke confidence, but he managed to largely maintain Michigan’s roster after May’s departure, retaining starting guards Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau and keeping transfer additions Moustapha Thiam and JP Estrella. At the very least, Boynton should preside over a competitive roster in Year 1.
Looking ahead, Boynton faces a Big Ten that features substantial coaching talent. In addition to the storied Tom Izzo at Michigan State and the established Illinois and Purdue leaders Brad Underwood and Matt Painter, the league includes seasoned coaches such as Mick Cronin, Buzz Williams, Eric Musselman and Fred Hoiberg. It also hosts rising stars like Iowa’s Ben McCollum and Indiana’s Darian DeVries. Boynton’s job will undeniably be demanding.
Manuel likely didn’t anticipate starting 2026-27 with new head coaches in both football and basketball within a short span, but unforeseen circumstances have produced two fresh leaders for Michigan’s premiere programs. Longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham took over the football program after Sherrone Moore was dismissed for cause, and now the Wolverines must navigate a new basketball leadership in the wake of May’s departure to the NBA. Contact and follow tips for College Wire on X and Threads, and follow our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage.