Dusty May, 49, will become the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks after leaving his role as head coach at the University of Michigan men's basketball team this month [1, 2, 3, 4]. May led Michigan to the 2026 NCAA national championship, compiling a 64-13 record over two seasons [1, 2, 3, 4].
The Mavericks fired Jason Kidd in May 2026 after a dismal 26-56 NBA season [1, 2, 3, 4]. They have now turned to May, who has a combined head coaching record of 190-82 between Michigan and Florida Atlantic University, where he guided FAU to the 2023 NCAA Final Four [1, 2, 3, 4].
Dallas holds two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft at No. 9 and No. 30, along with a young roster led by reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and veteran Kyrie Irving [1, 2, 3, 4]. May cited excitement about working with the Mavericks' front office and young stars. "The alignment with the front office and ownership group. In addition, a young superstar in Cooper with one of the best point guards in the history of our game!" he said [4].
Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said, "As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team. We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention" [2].
Analysts have praised May’s potential in the NBA. ESPN’s Jay Bilas said, "I think Dusty May is a great coach and he’ll be successful on any level of play he chooses. So I have no doubt that he’ll be successful in the NBA." ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla added, "Dusty May is extremely bright. He’s going to figure out how he’s going to coach in the NBA... you better coach friendly because the players are the show" [2].
Michigan’s players will have 15 days to enter the NCAA transfer portal following May’s departure [1, 3, 4]. Key returning Wolverines include Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau and sophomore Trey McKenney [3, 4].
