Dusty May to Become Dallas Mavericks Head Coach

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks are finalizing a deal to hire Dusty May, who recently led Michigan to its first NCAA basketball championship since 1989, as their new head coach. This marks May’s NBA head coaching debut under president Masai Ujiri’s leadership, as he prepares to develop a young roster featuring promising draft picks and established players like Kyrie Irving.

The Dallas Mavericks are set to hire Michigan head coach Dusty May as their next head coach, with both sides reportedly finalizing a deal pending completion. May, 49, guided the Wolverines to their first NCAA basketball championship since 1989 in April, securing a 69-63 victory over Connecticut to cap a 34-3 season. This move marks May’s first head coaching position in the NBA, transitioning from a highly successful collegiate career.

May's coaching résumé includes leading Michigan to a Big Ten regular-season title, a Big Ten tournament championship, and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances over two seasons. Prior to Michigan, he spent time at Florida Atlantic, notably taking the Owls to their sole Final Four appearance in program history three years ago. He is widely regarded as a skilled roster constructor and tactician in college basketball circles.

The Mavericks' recent leadership changes set the stage for May’s arrival. Jason Kidd was dismissed as head coach two weeks after the franchise hired Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations and alternate governor. May’s hiring is seen as a key part of Ujiri’s plans to reshape the team’s future.

Dallas possesses the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and May could look to bring in familiar talent, possibly reuniting with Michigan players such as center Aday Mara or forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The roster also features 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who May will have the opportunity to develop. Veteran guard Kyrie Irving remains part of the team after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to an ACL injury sustained in March of the previous year.

In response to May’s departure, the University of Michigan has promoted assistant coach Mike Boynton to interim head coach. Boynton, 44, was previously a head coach at Oklahoma State before joining Michigan as an assistant two years ago. His promotion reflects the athletic department's confidence in his ability to lead the program while searching for a permanent replacement.

As May prepares to embark on his first NBA head coaching role, observers will be watching to see how his collegiate success translates to the professional level and how he navigates the challenges of molding a young Mavericks roster under new front-office leadership.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.