Ex-Michigan Coach John Beilein Celebrates Wolverines' National Title Victory

Beilein, who led Michigan for 12 seasons, was in attendance to witness the program's second national championship.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a college basketball championship game, with sharp planes of royal blue, maize yellow, and crimson red conveying the raw energy and drama of the event.Beilein's return to witness Michigan's national title triumph underscores the program's remarkable turnaround under new leadership.Indianapolis Today

Former Michigan head coach John Beilein was in attendance at the national title game to watch his old team defeat UConn and claim the national championship. Beilein, who coached the Wolverines from 2007 to 2019, said he felt he 'had to be here' to witness the program's triumph after previously reaching the title game twice but falling short.

Why it matters

Beilein's presence at the game underscores his lasting connection to the Michigan basketball program, which he built into a national powerhouse during his 12-year tenure. His attendance also highlights the program's remarkable turnaround, going from an eight-win season in 2024 to winning the national title just two years later under new head coach Dusty May.

The details

Beilein, who left Michigan in 2019 to coach the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, was seated four rows up from the Wolverines' bench during the national title game. He told CBS Sports that he skipped Michigan's win over Arizona in the Final Four but 'felt like I had to be here' to witness the championship victory. Under Beilein, Michigan reached the national title game twice (2013, 2018) but fell short both times.

  • Beilein coached Michigan for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019.
  • Michigan won the national championship on April 7, 2026.

The players

John Beilein

Former head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, leading the program from 2007 to 2019 and guiding them to two national title game appearances.

Dusty May

Current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who took over the program in 2024 and led them to the national championship in just his second season.

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What they’re saying

“I've been away all year because I really thought once I was done, I wanted to walk away and say we got things in the right direction. I want Dusty to have his space to do what he wants to do, and he's done a great job with it. It's Easter weekend. I have the grandkids in town. There was no way I was leaving Saturday. But (the) championship? I felt like I had to be here.”

— John Beilein, Former Michigan Head Coach

The takeaway

Beilein's presence at the national title game underscores his lasting impact on the Michigan basketball program, which he built into a consistent national contender during his 12-year tenure. The Wolverines' remarkable turnaround from an eight-win season in 2024 to a national championship in 2026 under new coach Dusty May is a testament to the strong foundation Beilein established.