.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Dusty May’s departure for the NBA has added pre-draft fireworks at both levels. The now former Michigan Wolverines head coach puts life back in Dallas and leaves Ann Arbor on a high note.
Just months after leading Michigan to a NCAA championship win his second season, May will be tough to replace. Who could maintain the level of success for one of the Big Ten’s most coveted jobs? The program is reportedly working to retain Mike Boynton Jr. as the interim coach. He's the best candidate for Michigan may be the one athletic director Warde Manuel is most familiar with.
Here are three things to know about Michigan's possible next full-time head coach.
Defense is Boynton's main focus
When May hired Boynton as an associate coach two years ago, the position came with a defensive coordinator tag. He has played a key role in building Michigan into a top-tier team, and its 2026 dominance is a perfect example of when a plan comes together with the right talent on the floor. Boynton will continue to push his philosophy as the interim head coach and should be considered for the full-time role.
Boynton's track record is solid
One of the biggest current NBA stars Boynton helped during the course of his career was Cade Cunningham. Before heading to Detroit, the No. 1 overall pick from Oklahoma State was a student of the game, with Boynton leading the way. He served as head coach at OSU from 2017 to 2024.
MORE: How Dusty May's Michigan contract, buyout impacts the Dallas Mavericks
What he was able to do for the Cowboys would be nothing compared to what's possible at Michigan. A much bigger opportunity with real resources. Boynton led the Cowboys to a 119-109 record, including a trip to the 2021 NCAA Tournament and two NIT quarterfinal appearances in 2018 and 2023. He had three 20-win seasons during his time in Stillwater.
Keeping Boynton will stop a mass exodus in the transfer portal
The Wolverines are viewed as a preseason top-five team. Even after losing four starters, Elliot Cadeau returns at point guard to lead some talented transfers. Cincinnati’s Moustapha Thiam and Tennessee’s J.P. Estrella came to Ann Arbor as top-10 players in hopes of chasing championship dreams. Outside the portal, five-star guard Brandon McCoy signed with the Wolverines and is expected to be a one-and-done talent.
With two decades of collegiate coaching experience, Boynton can hit the ground running and knows the landscape as a primary recruiter. There won't be a monumental shift from May leaving if Boynton is allowed to run the program. He'll also work to keep the roster intact as players decide to stay or go.
English (US)