Former OSU Coach Mike Boynton Seeks National Title with Michigan

Boynton, fired from OSU in 2024, is now the lead assistant for Michigan in the national championship game.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:11pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense energy and action of a college basketball championship game, with the players and court broken down into abstract shapes and colors.A former Oklahoma State coach seeks his first national championship as a key assistant for Michigan in the title game.Boynton Today

After being fired from his head coaching job at Oklahoma State in 2024, Mike Boynton has found success as the lead assistant for Michigan. On Monday night, Boynton will be on the sidelines as the Wolverines face off against UConn in the national title game, with a chance to win his first national championship.

Why it matters

Boynton spent seven seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State, where he was beloved by the community. While he was unable to lead the Cowboys to more than one NCAA Tournament appearance, his coaching skills have clearly translated to the assistant role at Michigan, where the team is now playing for a national title.

The details

After being fired from OSU in 2024, Boynton joined Dusty May's staff at Michigan as a lead assistant. In his two seasons with the Wolverines, the team has been dominant, including a win over Arizona in the national semifinals to advance to the championship game against UConn.

  • Boynton was fired from his head coaching job at Oklahoma State in 2024.
  • Boynton joined Michigan's staff as a lead assistant in 2024.
  • Michigan advanced to the national championship game on April 6, 2026.

The players

Mike Boynton

Former head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who is now the lead assistant for the Michigan Wolverines.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who hired Boynton as his lead assistant in 2024.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who will face Michigan in the national championship game.

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What’s next

If Michigan wins the national championship, Boynton will have the opportunity to become a head coach again in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Boynton's journey from being fired as the head coach at Oklahoma State to potentially winning a national championship as an assistant at Michigan showcases the resilience and adaptability of coaches in college basketball. His success at Michigan could open the door for him to return to a head coaching role in the near future.