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Mavericks Hire Michigan Champ Dusty May, Build Around Flagg

6/22/2026

22 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Dusty May Hired

The Dallas Mavericks hired University of Michigan coach Dusty May as head coach, replacing Jason Kidd after a 26-56 season.
May comes off a national championship with Michigan in April 2026, capping a 34-3 record.
President of basketball operations Masai Ujiri oversaw the hire, marking the first NBA appointment of a college coach since John Beilein in 2019.
The Mavericks will build the roster around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

Summary

Boynton Takes Over

Mike Boynton Jr., former defensive coordinator, will serve as Michigan’s interim head coach after Dusty May, former head coach, departs.
Mike Boynton Jr. helped Michigan achieve the nation’s top-ranked defense in 2025-26 per KenPom.
Officials are racing to retain key players—player Elliot Cadeau, player Trey McKenney, player J.P. Estrella, player Moustapha Thiam and player Brandon McCoy—amid the coaching upheaval.

History

Historical Context

In May 2019 the Cleveland Cavaliers hired former Michigan coach John Beilein, marking the first recent NBA appointment of a college head coach. He joined a short line that includes Jerry Tarkanian (Spurs, 1992-93) and Randy Ayers (76ers, 2003-04), showing a growing willingness to import collegiate success. Beilein entered the NBA with 754 NCAA victories, underscoring the appeal of proven college track records.

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Dusty May Hired

The Dallas Mavericks hired University of Michigan coach Dusty May as head coach, replacing Jason Kidd after a 26-56 season.
May comes off a national championship with Michigan in April 2026, capping a 34-3 record.
President of basketball operations Masai Ujiri oversaw the hire, marking the first NBA appointment of a college coach since John Beilein in 2019.
The Mavericks will build the roster around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

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