Full Breakdown
Mike Boynton Jr. Named Permanent Head Coach of Michigan Men’s Basketball
7/11/2026, 1:02:37 PM
Promotion to Full-Time Head Coach
The University of Michigan announced on Friday, July 10 that Mike Boynton Jr. has signed a two-year contract to become the Wolverines’ head men’s basketball coach, removing the interim tag that had been applied after Dusty May left for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks in late June. Boynton, the former Oklahoma State head coach (2017-2024), had served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator and interim head coach for the final weeks of the 2025-26 season, which culminated in the program’s first national championship since 1989.
Background & Recent Success
Michigan entered the 2025-26 campaign with Boynton as defensive coordinator, helping the team post a 37-3 record, a #1 national ranking in defensive efficiency on KenPom, and a national title. Over the prior two seasons, the Wolverines compiled a 64-13 record, won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, and produced four first-round NBA draft selections. Boynton’s promotion follows a pattern of internal retention; all but one scholarship player—guard L.J. Cason, sidelined with a torn ACL—publicly reaffirmed their commitment after May’s departure.
Key Figures
- Mike Boynton Jr. – 44-year-old Brooklyn native; former Oklahoma State head coach (119-109 record, one NCAA tournament appearance in 2021).
- Warde Manuel – Athletic Director who appointed Boynton interim on June 23 and negotiated the permanent contract.
- Domenico Grasso – University President, who praised Boynton’s leadership.
- Dusty May – Outgoing head coach, former Florida Atlantic coach, now with the Dallas Mavericks.
Data & Statistics
- Record at Oklahoma State: 119-109 (seven seasons).
- Michigan defensive ranking (2025-26): #1 nationally, 12th on KenPom the prior season.
- Roster retention: 13 of 14 scholarship players confirmed for 2026-27; incoming transfers J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) and Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati) also reaffirmed.
Why It Matters
Promoting Boynton preserves continuity in a program that has just achieved a historic championship. Maintaining the core roster and coaching philosophy is expected to keep Michigan competitive in the Big Ten and on the national stage, while also providing stability for recruiting pipelines that produced a top-50 incoming class.
Official Statements & Responses
Athletic Director Warde Manuel emphasized Boynton’s “veteran assistant” experience and “clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan,” noting his “stability, leadership and perspective” during a period of success. University President Domenico Grasso highlighted Boynton’s “exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to student-athlete development,” expressing confidence that he will “build on our winning tradition.” Former head coach Dusty May praised Boynton as “an outstanding coach, an even better person,” adding that players “see the work he puts in every single day.” Former Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg described Boynton as “someone who has been there for me since day one” and credited him with pushing the team to its achievements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm grateful to Warde for his confidence and thankful for the opportunity to lead this program,” — Mike Boynton Jr.
- “Here is what former Michigan coaches Dusty May, John Beilein and others said about the hire, via a press release: Athletic Director Warde Manuel: "Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan.” — Warde Manuel, Athletic Director
- “Coach Boynton has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to the development of student-athletes throughout his career,” — Domenico Grasso, University President
- “ Dusty May: "You couldn't ask for a better person to lead Michigan basketball.” — Dusty May, former head coach
- “ Yaxel Lendeborg: "Coach Boynton has been there for me since day one.” — Yaxel Lendeborg, former Michigan forward
What’s Next
Boynton’s immediate tasks include finalizing his coaching staff after the departure of assistants Drew Williamson and Mody Maor, and overseeing the July 15 opening of the transfer portal. He has indicated that the team will continue to run “the system that we played the last couple years with Dusty,” focusing on “ones and fives” and dynamic wing play as Michigan prepares for the 2026-27 season.
