Michigan basketball chooses next coach after Dusty May’s shocking exit

Michigan has picked its new leader.

After a shocking exit by Dusty May, the university has removed the interim title from Mike Boynton Jr. and named him the full-time head coach on Friday afternoon.

Boynton, 44, was given the interim tag after May finalized a deal with the Mavericks in June.

He previously served as an assistant over the last two seasons, specializing in defense. In the last two years, the Wolverines ranked No. 12 and No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency at KenPom.

“Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head-coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “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.”

Assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. of the Michigan Wolverines looks on against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images

“I’m grateful to Warde for his confidence and thankful for the opportunity to lead this program,” Boynton said. “We have built a championship culture and a standard that everyone associated with this program takes great pride in. We have an outstanding group of players, and I’m excited to get to work and continue the success we’ve established together.”

Prior to arriving in Ann Arbor, Boynton was at the helm of Oklahoma State, where he led a top-20 defense in three of his final four seasons.

He was fired after seven seasons, leaving with a 119-109 record that included a second-round run in the NCAA Tournament during the 2020-21 season.

Boynton came to the job at Oklahoma State in a similar fashion.

Former coach Brad Underwood left to coach Illinois after only one year, and Boynton was there to take the next step up.

After Michigan won the national championship over UConn last season, Boynton has big expectations on his shoulders.