Dusty May Signs New Contract With Michigan After National Championship Win

The University of Michigan has secured a long-term commitment from head basketball coach Dusty May, announcing a contract extension on April 11, 2026. The agreement follows May leading the Wolverines to the 2026 national championship in only his second season with the program.

Athletic director Warde Manuel revealed the news during a celebratory event at Crisler Center, which included a banner-raising and a parade through the streets of Ann Arbor. Manuel stated that May will be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come.

Championship Success and Program Growth

The contract extension comes after a dominant 2025-26 campaign in which Michigan finished with a 37-3 overall record. The Wolverines also secured first place in the Big Ten conference, posting a 19-1 record in regular-season conference play.

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This title marks the first national championship for the Michigan men’s basketball program since the 1988-89 season. The achievement serves as the pinnacle of May’s two-year tenure, during which the team has compiled a combined record of 64-13 overall and 33-7 in Big Ten play.

In his inaugural season, May guided the Wolverines to a 27-10 record, a Big Ten Tournament title, and an appearance in the Sweet 16. The subsequent jump to a national title in the second season has solidified May’s position as one of the elite coaches in college basketball.

Contract Details and Market Context

While the specific financial terms of the new extension were not disclosed, the move provides long-term security for May, whose previous contract was slated to expire in 2030. May’s original five-year deal, signed in March 2025, was valued at $19.125 million total.

For the 2025-26 season, May earned $4.6 million, excluding performance bonuses. The new agreement is expected to include a significant raise to reflect his championship success and align his compensation with other top-tier programs.

The extension also follows a period of speculation regarding May’s future. He was considered a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at North Carolina, but May informed Michigan that he was not pursuing other college positions. North Carolina ultimately hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone.

Dusty May’s Coaching Trajectory

The 49-year-old coach arrived at Michigan with a proven track record of success from his previous tenure at Florida Atlantic. Over six seasons as the head coach of the Owls, May achieved a 126-69 combined record.

During his time at Florida Atlantic, May led the program to the NCAA Tournament in both 2023 and 2024, including a trip to the Final Four in 2023. This experience in building a competitive program served as the foundation for his rapid ascent at Michigan.

Manuel emphasized the strength of the relationship between the administration and the coach, noting that his staff had been working on the extension and that the agreement would be finalized on paper over the weekend of April 11, 2026.

We reached an agreement on the terms, and we’re putting it on paper. He’s going to be our coach. Dusty and I have a great relationship.

Warde Manuel