Dusty May, head coach of Michigan basketball, has secured a long-term deal with the Wolverines.
May assumed control of an eight-win squad and has nearly increased the program’s victories inside a year.
The Wolverines commenced Friday in the top position in the Big Ten, preceding a confrontation with Michigan State.
Dusty May will remain in Ann Arbor.
The inaugural-year Michigan basketball coach and athletic director Warde Manuel have reached an agreement on a new multi-year contract, likely accompanied by a substantial salary increase, as May leads No. 12 U-M (20-5, 12-2 Big Ten) into first place in the Big Ten ahead of Friday night’s rivalry match against Michigan State.
Manuel stated, “I am pleased to announce that Dusty and I have reached an agreement on a new multi-year contract.” His dedication to this University and the success of the men’s basketball team has significantly surpassed our expectations, instilling enthusiasm for the future.
“I anticipate that Dusty, Anna, and their family will continue to be integral members of this University and community for many years ahead.”
May, 48, was recruited from Florida Atlantic in March and promptly restructured the roster of a club that recorded a franchise-low eight victories last season. May’s initial five-year contract, executed on March 23, 2024, included an average yearly base salary of $3.75 million.
However, May’s stock — already heightened by a 2023 Final Four appearance with FAU — has further increased in Ann Arbor, as Michigan has the potential to triple its win total from the previous season. The turmoil at May’s alma institution, Indiana, contributed to U-M’s efforts to renegotiate. Mike Woodson, the current coach of the Hoosiers, stated last month his intention to resign at the conclusion of this, his fourth season in Bloomington.
May was regarded as a viable contender for Indiana, despite having only one season as a head coach in the Big Ten, having began his coaching career at IU over two decades earlier under the legendary coach Bob Knight. May functioned as a student manager under Knight, subsequently served as an assistant for multiple seasons, and thereafter held positions at Eastern Michigan, Murray State, UAB, Louisiana Tech, and Florida before dedicating six seasons to FAU. May had a 146-74 overall record and led the Owls to their inaugural Final Four two seasons prior, marking only the school’s second involvement in the NCAA tournament.
The reconstruction of Michigan basketball
May assumed over of a Wolverines program that has failed to qualify for consecutive NCAA tournaments for the first time since 2008. May has effectively secured U-M’s position in March Madness, with the Wolverines anticipated to attain a top-four seed, hence increasing the likelihood of a return to the Sweet 16, a stage last visited by U-M in 2022 under previous coach Juwan Howard.
