Michigan Coach Dusty May Inks Extension After National Title

Wolverines' head coach to remain in Ann Arbor for the long term after leading team to first championship since 1989.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant shades of blue, maize, and red, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of a basketball championship celebration.Michigan's national championship triumph and the securing of coach Dusty May's long-term future are captured in a cubist, geometric painting.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan head basketball coach Dusty May has agreed to a contract extension to remain with the Wolverines, athletic director Warde Manuel announced during the team's NCAA championship celebration in Ann Arbor. May led Michigan to a 37-3 record and the program's first national title since 1989 this past season, and will now be the Wolverines' coach for many years to come.

Why it matters

Retaining May was a top priority for Michigan after he engineered a rapid turnaround, taking the Wolverines from an 8-24 record the year before his arrival to a national championship in just two seasons. Keeping May in place secures the long-term future of the program and allows the team to build on this year's title run.

The details

According to Manuel, he and May have already reached an agreement on the contract extension, which they will finalize and put 'on paper' in the coming days. The specific terms of the new deal are not yet known, but Manuel said May will be the 'leader of this basketball team for many years to come.' May's original contract was set to expire following the 2030 season.

  • On April 6, 2026, May led Michigan to a 69-63 victory over UConn in the NCAA championship game.
  • On April 11, 2026, Michigan held a championship celebration in Ann Arbor where Manuel announced May's extension.
  • In the days following the title win, Michigan and May will finalize the details of his new contract.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who led the program to its first national championship since 1989 this past season.

Warde Manuel

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

Elliot Cadeau

Michigan's star point guard who will return for his senior season after the Wolverines' title run.

J.P. Estrella

A former Tennessee big man who has joined the Michigan roster via the transfer portal.

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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

“'We reached an agreement on the terms, and we're putting it on paper. He's going to be our coach. Dusty and I have a great relationship.'”

— Warde Manuel, Michigan Athletic Director

“'Any AD in America would want to have a coach that other people want. I've had the opposite problem. I love this problem more than I love the opposite problem. We'll deal with it, we'll work through it. I want Dusty [May] to finish his career here at Michigan.'”

— Warde Manuel, Michigan Athletic Director

What’s next

Michigan and Dusty May will finalize the details of his new contract extension in the coming days.

The takeaway

Retaining Dusty May as Michigan's head coach was a top priority for the athletic department after he led the Wolverines to their first national championship in over 30 years. The extension ensures May will remain in Ann Arbor for the long term, allowing the program to build on this season's title run and solidifying the future of the basketball team.