Dusty May, who spent more than two decades climbing the college basketball ladder, announced on Tuesday that he will resign as head coach of the University of Michigan to become the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
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May’s departure comes just months after he led the Wolverines to a coveted national championship, a triumph that elevated his profile and attracted attention from the NBA.
He pointed to the growing complexity of college athletics — particularly the transfer portal and the NIL era — as factors that made the professional environment more appealing.
May also noted the increasing overlap between college and pro basketball, observing that recent NBA rule changes have blurred the traditional boundaries between the two spheres.
The move was facilitated by a chance encounter with Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, who approached May with an offer he described as ‘too compelling to pass up.’
Having been involved in coaching for over 25 years, May said that the organization’s vision and the prospect of working with a talented roster were decisive in his decision to leave Ann Arbor.
His transition signals a new chapter for the Mavericks, who hope to blend fresh leadership with the team’s existing ambitions as they look ahead to the upcoming season.