Dallas Mavericks finalise deal to appoint Michigan coach Dusty May
Michigan head coach Dusty May is finalising a deal to take charge of the Dallas Mavericks, ending a highly successful tenure in Ann Arbor to make the jump to the NBA.
The 49-year-old will replace Jason Kidd, who was dismissed by the Texas franchise following a disappointing 26-56 campaign last season.
This move sees the former Florida Atlantic boss inherit a squad built around reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who averaged 21.0 points per game last year.
From NCAA dominance to the NBA
May departs the collegiate ranks having guided the Wolverines to the national title in 2026 during a dominant 64-13 run over two seasons.
He becomes the first college manager to move directly to a professional NBA franchise since John Beilein joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.
The tactician’s reputation has skyrocketed in recent years, largely due to his innovative use of oversized lineups that effectively countered the modern small-ball revolution.
Prior to his arrival in Michigan, the highly-rated coach orchestrated a stunning run to the 2023 Final Four with the Florida Atlantic Owls.
Michigan faces an uncertain future
The sudden departure leaves the Wolverines in a state of flux just as they appeared perfectly positioned to defend their collegiate crown.
Under NCAA regulations, a 15-day transfer window will open shortly after a new manager is officially announced, allowing current players to explore their options.
University officials must now act swiftly to secure a replacement, with current assistant Mike Boynton representing a logical internal candidate given his previous managerial experience at Oklahoma State.
The new appointee will face the immediate challenge of retaining a talented roster that features Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau and highly-rated sophomore Trey McKenney.