Michigan Basketball Coach Dusty May Agrees to New Contract

Wolverines AD Warde Manuel announces extension for coach who led team to NCAA title

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a celebratory basketball scene with players, fans, and a trophy, rendered in vibrant colors and sharp, overlapping geometric shapes.Michigan's national championship celebration captures the exhilaration of the team's rapid rise under coach Dusty May.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan basketball coach Dusty May has agreed to a new contract that will keep him leading the Wolverines for years to come, athletic director Warde Manuel announced during a celebration for the team's NCAA championship. May, who inherited a struggling program and rapidly turned it into a national title winner in just two seasons, was widely sought after by other schools but has committed to staying at Michigan.

Why it matters

Retaining May is a major coup for Michigan, as the 49-year-old coach has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young minds in college basketball. His ability to transform the Wolverines into champions has made him a hot commodity, so locking him up with a long-term deal ensures stability and continued success for the program.

The details

Just five days after leading Michigan to its first national championship in 37 years, May has agreed to a new contract that will run through 2031, according to AD Warde Manuel. The financial details are still being finalized, but the extension represents a significant raise from May's previous deal, which was set to pay him an average of $5.1 million annually through 2030.

  • On April 11, 2026, Michigan held a championship celebration at the Crisler Center.
  • During the celebration, AD Warde Manuel announced that May had agreed to a new contract to remain the Wolverines' head coach.

The players

Dusty May

The 49-year-old head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who led the program to its first national championship in 37 years in just his second season.

Warde Manuel

The athletic director at the University of Michigan, who announced May's new contract extension during the team's championship celebration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He will be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come.”

— Warde Manuel, Michigan Athletic Director

“I'm very grateful, and during the (NCAA) tournament, I just told Warde I'm not leaving. And I probably ruined any leverage I could have had. It's an honor to coach at this great institution, and I just look forward to what's next.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

The financial details of May's new contract are still being finalized, but the extension is expected to significantly increase his average annual salary from the $5.1 million he was previously set to earn through 2030.

The takeaway

Retaining Dusty May as Michigan's head coach is a major victory for the program, as he has quickly transformed the Wolverines into national champions and established himself as one of the top young coaches in college basketball. His commitment to staying in Ann Arbor ensures the team's continued success and stability for years to come.