Michigan AD Confirms Dusty May Will Stay as Wolverines Coach

Athletic director Warde Manuel says May has agreed to a long-term deal to continue leading the national champion basketball team.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball celebration scene with overlapping angular forms in bright, contrasting colors.Michigan's national championship victory is commemorated through a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and emotion of the historic moment.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that head basketball coach Dusty May has agreed to a new contract that will keep him leading the Wolverines 'for many years to come.' May just guided Michigan to its first national championship since 1989 after inheriting a struggling program two seasons ago.

Why it matters

Retaining May is a major win for Michigan, as he has quickly turned the Wolverines into a national powerhouse. Keeping a championship-winning coach is crucial for the program to maintain its momentum and continue competing at the highest level.

The details

During a ceremony celebrating Michigan's NCAA Tournament title, Manuel told the crowd that he and May have 'already reached an agreement' for the 49-year-old coach to remain with the team 'for many years to come.' May led Michigan to a 37-3 record this season and the national championship, just two years after the team went 8-24.

  • On April 11, 2026, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced the new long-term deal for coach Dusty May.

The players

Dusty May

The 49-year-old head coach who led Michigan to the national championship in his second season after inheriting an 8-24 team.

Warde Manuel

The athletic director at the University of Michigan who announced the new long-term contract for coach Dusty May.

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What they’re saying

“Dusty and I have already reached an agreement, and he will be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come.”

— Warde Manuel, Michigan Athletic Director

“It's been an honor for two years to represent all of you and to be called Coach by these guys. Anytime you have a group come together and you feel like they gave you so much more than you could ever give them, it melts you. These guys did it for each other. They did it for the staff. They did it for all of you, and they did it for all the right reasons — with class, with great effort and support for each other. That's all you can ask for as a coach.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

What’s next

The new contract details for Dusty May are expected to be finalized and announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

Retaining Dusty May as head coach is a major victory for Michigan basketball, as he has quickly transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Keeping a championship-winning coach in place will allow the Wolverines to maintain their momentum and continue competing at the highest level in college basketball.