This story was updated March 24 at 11:07 a.m. to include details of May’s contract provided by a Michigan spokesperson.
The Michigan men’s basketball team has found its new leader.
Just eight days after news broke that former coach Juwan Howard would not return for the 2024-25 season, the Wolverines found their replacement. First reported by Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday, Dusty May agreed on a deal to become Michigan’s next head coach.
May agreed on a five-year deal with the Wolverines, with an average annual value of $3.75 million, according to a Michigan spokesperson.
May, who spent six years as the head coach at Florida Atlantic, was a coveted coaching option when the Owls’ season came to an end on Friday against Northwestern. May led Florida Atlantic to an improbable Final Four run last season as a No. 9 seed following a 35-4 campaign.
In the wake of that impressive campaign, May inked a 10-year $15.7 million contract. But that decade long contract won’t matter, given May’s decision to take the vacancy at Michigan.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, however, I am deeply committed to reigniting the proud tradition of Michigan Basketball,” May said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
With May’s dominance last March, he demonstrated what he can bring to a program. He led the Owls to their program-best record, and not only to their first win in the NCAA Tournament but to Houston for the Final Four.
“For almost two decades Dusty May’s proven track record as a winner, including Florida Atlantic’s magical run to a 2023 Final Four, speaks volumes about him and his coaching,” said (athletic director Warde) Manuel. “We are so delighted to welcome Dusty, and his family, to the University of Michigan. He embodies the values of high integrity and outstanding character, coupled with an unparalleled understanding of the game of basketball.”
After two seasons where the Wolverines could only watch from home as other teams compete in the Big Dance, Michigan is eager to get back to where it was in years prior.
May proved he can win at Florida Atlantic — and after an 8-24 season, the worst in program history, Michigan sure needs someone who can help with that.