University Of Michigan Announces Dusty May As New Basketball Head Coach

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Post on Feb 22, 2025

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Michigan Wolverines Tap Dusty May as New Men's Basketball Head Coach

ANN ARBOR, MI – March 27, 2024 – The University of Michigan Athletic Department today announced the hiring of Dusty May as the new head coach of the men's basketball program. May, who spent the last five seasons leading the Florida Atlantic Owls to unprecedented success, including a Final Four appearance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, replaces Juwan Howard, who was dismissed earlier this year following an altercation. The announcement ends a protracted search that saw Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel sift through a large pool of candidates.

May, known for his player development and up-tempo offensive system, brings a proven track record of building winning programs. At FAU, he transformed a middling Conference USA team into a national powerhouse, culminating in a remarkable run to the Final Four. His coaching philosophy centers on a relentless defensive approach coupled with a fast-paced, three-point-oriented offense that maximizes player strengths. This style resonated strongly with Michigan's athletic director and aligns with the program's desire for a high-energy, exciting brand of basketball.

“Dusty May is a rising star in college basketball, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Ann Arbor,” said Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “His impressive record at Florida Atlantic, coupled with his commitment to player development and academic success, made him the ideal candidate to lead our men’s basketball program. We believe Dusty has the vision and leadership to build a championship-caliber team while upholding the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship.”

The terms of May's contract have not been publicly disclosed, but sources close to the negotiations indicate a multi-year deal, reflecting the university's commitment to building a sustainable program under his leadership. Beyond the financial aspects, the contract is expected to include clauses emphasizing academic support for student-athletes and a strong emphasis on fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. This focus aligns with Manuel's broader commitment to creating a winning environment while emphasizing the holistic development of student-athletes.

May's arrival signals a shift in philosophy for the Wolverines. While Juwan Howard prioritized recruiting five-star talent, May’s success at FAU suggests a different approach. His ability to identify and develop overlooked talent, turning them into high-performing college players, will be crucial in rebuilding Michigan's program. This approach, combined with his proven ability to create a cohesive and competitive team, is viewed as crucial to revitalizing the Wolverines after a period of instability.

The challenges ahead for Coach May are significant. He inherits a roster in transition, needing to rebuild team chemistry and establish a new playing style. Recruiting will be paramount, as he seeks to attract top talent to Ann Arbor. However, May's proven ability to develop players and build winning programs, coupled with the prestige of the University of Michigan, gives him a solid foundation to succeed. The coming months and years will be a crucial test of his coaching acumen, but the athletic department clearly believes it has found the right person to lead the Wolverines back to national prominence.

The press conference introducing Coach May to the Michigan community is scheduled for [Insert Date and Time of Press Conference Here] at [Insert Location of Press Conference Here]. The event will be livestreamed on [Insert Livestream Link Here].