Michigan AD says Dusty May has agreed on deal to stay Wolverines coach 'for many years to come'

Michigan head coach Dusty May led the Wolverines to the national title in his second season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball celebration scene, with players, coaches, and fans broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of maize, azure blue, and crimson red, capturing the energy and emotion of the moment.Michigan's national championship victory sparks a joyous celebration, with the team, coaches, and fans coming together in a vibrant, fragmented display of the program's hard-earned success.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that head coach Dusty May has agreed to a new deal that will keep him leading the Wolverines basketball team 'for many years to come.' May, 49, just completed his second season as Michigan's head coach, guiding the team to a national championship with a 37-3 record.

Why it matters

Retaining a successful head coach like Dusty May is crucial for Michigan to maintain its status as an elite college basketball program. May had been mentioned as a potential target for other high-profile coaching jobs, so securing his long-term commitment to the Wolverines is an important move for the university.

The details

In his two seasons as Michigan's head coach, Dusty May has led the Wolverines to a remarkable turnaround. He inherited a team that went 8-24 the year before his arrival, and in his second season guided them to a 37-3 record and the national championship, the program's first title since 1989.

  • On April 6, 2026, Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 to win the NCAA Tournament championship game.
  • On April 7, 2026, the Michigan team returned to campus in Ann Arbor, where they were celebrated by fans.

The players

Dusty May

The 49-year-old head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who just led the program to its first national championship since 1989 in his second season on the job.

Warde Manuel

The athletic director at the University of Michigan, who announced that the school has reached a new long-term agreement to keep Dusty May as the Wolverines' head coach.

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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

What’s next

The new contract extension for Dusty May is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, ensuring he remains the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

Dusty May's rapid turnaround of the Michigan basketball program, culminating in a national championship in just his second season, has cemented his status as one of the top young coaches in college basketball. Securing his long-term commitment to the Wolverines is a major win for the university and a sign that the program is poised to remain an elite contender for years to come.