A New Chapter for Michigan Basketball
The University of Michigan announced on Tuesday that Mike Boynton Jr. will assume the role of interim head coach for the men's basketball program, stepping in after Dusty May accepted a position with the Dallas Mavericks on June 22.
Boynton, a Michigan native who spent the past seven years at Oklahoma State, brings a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen that spans multiple programs, including Furman, Coastal Carolina, Wofford, South Carolina, Stephen F. Austin and his most recent stop at Oklahoma State.
During his tenure at Oklahoma State, Boynton guided the Cowboys to a 119‑109 record, highlighted by a 2021 NCAA Tournament appearance where his team posted a 69‑60 victory over 13‑seed Liberty before falling to 12‑seed Oregon State in the second round.
Prior to his head‑coaching stint, Boynton served as an assistant under Brad Underwood at both Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State, and earlier in his career he played four seasons at South Carolina, where he later returned as an assistant from 2008 to 2013.
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel praised Boynton's familiarity with the program, noting that his defensive coordination experience and deep ties to the university make him a natural fit to stabilize the team while a permanent search continues.
The interim appointment is expected to provide continuity for a roster that has been reshaped by recent transfers, while giving the administration time to evaluate a broader pool of candidates for the permanent position.
Boynton's Path Through College Basketball
Boynton's coaching journey began at Furman, where he honed his recruiting skills, before stints at Coastal Carolina and Wofford allowed him to develop a reputation as a program builder.
His move to Oklahoma State in 2017 coincided with the departure of Brad Underwood, and Boynton was promoted to head coach, a role in which he posted a .522 winning percentage and guided the team to two NIT quarterfinals.
The 2021 NCAA Tournament win remains his only tournament victory as a head coach, a moment that underscored his ability to compete on the national stage.
Now, as Michigan prepares for the upcoming season, Boynton's defensive background and player development focus are seen as assets that could help the Wolverines rebound from a challenging previous campaign.
The university has not disclosed the length of Boynton's interim contract, but sources indicate that the arrangement will run through the conclusion of the non‑conference schedule, after which a formal search will commence.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Boynton's philosophy translates to the Big Ten stage, with many hoping his experience will restore Michigan's competitive edge.