Dusty May, who led Michigan to its first national championship since 1989, has agreed to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, according to The Detroit News. The decision comes after May’s two seasons at Michigan, during which he transformed the program into a national powerhouse.
May’s Impact at Michigan
May’s tenure at Michigan was marked by rapid success. In his first season, he guided the Wolverines to a 27-10 record, a 19-win improvement from the previous campaign. The following year, Michigan finished with a 37-3 record, capturing the program’s first national title since 1989. The team also secured its fourth-ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and tied a Big Ten record with 37 wins in a season, as reported by The New York Times.
Before his time at Michigan, May coached Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance in 2023. His work at the university included leading the Owls to a 60-13 record over two seasons, according to the NY Times. At Michigan, May was named Big Ten Coach of the Year by league media and helped the Wolverines clinch two Big Ten titles.
Mavericks’ Coaching Search
The Mavericks’ decision to hire May follows the team’s exit of coach Jason Kidd, who had four years and over $40 million remaining on his contract, as noted by The New York Times. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri led the search for a new coach, evaluating multiple candidates, including college coaches like Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Florida’s Todd Golden.
Ujiri also considered NBA assistants such as San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney, who opted for the Orlando Magic, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori. Ultimately, Ujiri chose May, who coached one of the most dominant college teams in recent memory, according to the NY Times.
Implications for Michigan and the NBA
May’s departure leaves Michigan’s program in transition. The Wolverines are expected to face challenges without their charismatic leader, who was instrumental in their rise to national prominence. Three of Michigan’s starters—Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara—are projected to be first-round NBA Draft picks, as reported by the NY Times.
For the Mavericks, May’s hiring signals a shift toward a more dynamic, youth-focused approach. The team is built around rookie of the year Cooper Flagg, and May’s experience in developing talent could align with their long-term strategy. His background as a student manager under Bob Knight and his progression through college coaching ranks adds credibility to his appointment, according to The Detroit News.
What Comes Next?
The Mavericks are expected to formally announce May’s hiring in the coming days. Meanwhile, Michigan will begin the search for its next head coach, with a focus on maintaining the program’s momentum. May’s move to the NBA highlights the increasing crossover between college and professional basketball, as successful college coaches often transition to the pros.
For now, the focus remains on how May’s leadership will shape the Mavericks’ future and whether Michigan can sustain its success without him. The decision underscores the high stakes of coaching in both college and professional sports, where the right leader can redefine a program’s trajectory.
Find more reporting in our Sport news section.
