From Ann Arbor to Dallas
Dusty May, the Indiana‑born coach who guided the University of Michigan to a national championship in 2026, announced his departure for the Dallas Mavericks, where he will take the helm of the NBA franchise after Jason Kidd was fired at the end of the season.
May’s basketball roots trace back to his teenage years as a student manager for Bob Knight’s Indiana University teams from 1996 through 2000, a period that instilled a deep appreciation for the program’s tradition.
After six seasons at Florida Atlantic, where he led the Owls to the 2023 Final Four, May was hired by Michigan in 2024. In his second year with the Wolverines, the team captured the 2026 national title, underscoring his rapid impact.
A Coach With Deep Indiana Roots
The move to Dallas comes as the Mavericks seek a new direction after parting ways with Kidd, a transition that has drawn attention from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a longtime Michigan superfan who was reportedly on the verge of tears at the news.
Mark Cuban, an Indiana University alumnus and minority owner of the Mavericks, issued a public statement emphasizing that he has no involvement in basketball‑related decisions, aiming to quell speculation about his influence on the hiring process.