Dusty May's Move Shakes Big Ten
Dusty May, the former Indiana University manager who guided Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four, is set to leave Michigan after just two seasons to take the helm of the Dallas Mavericks. The agreement, first reported by local outlets, marks a swift transition from college basketball to the NBA for the 45‑year‑old coach.
May’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for the Wolverines, who were already preparing for the 2026‑27 campaign and were viewed as strong contenders for back‑to‑back national titles. His exit could open a 15‑day window for Michigan players to enter the transfer portal, a development that may reshape the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
A Legacy of Indiana‑Born NBA Coaches
May joins a small but notable lineage of former Indiana University managers who have ascended to NBA head‑coach positions. He follows Lawrence Frank, who led the Detroit Pistons and later the Atlanta Hawks, and becomes the second such figure after Frank, joining a distinguished list that includes Quinn Buckner, Isiah Thomas, Mike Woodson, Randy Wittman and Keith Smart.
The ripple effects of May’s move extend beyond Michigan’s borders. As a former manager under the legendary Bob Knight from 1996 to 2000, May’s trajectory reflects a deep connection to the Hoosiers’ storied coaching heritage, a narrative that resonates with fans across the United States, Indiana, Michigan and Florida, where his career has been anchored.