Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has appointed assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as interim head coach of the men's basketball program following Dusty May's unexpected departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
May led the Wolverines to the 2026 national championship before choosing to enter the professional ranks.
According to U-M interim president Domenico Grasso, May cited uncertainties and pressures involving the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) support as primary factors for his exit.
Boynton's Background and Immediate Impact
Boynton previously spent seven seasons as head coach at Oklahoma State from 2017 to 2024, compiling a 119-109 record.
He served as Michigan's top assistant and defensive coordinator last season.
The promotion provides immediate roster stability by preventing players from entering the transfer portal for an additional 30 days.
"He and I agree that the future of college sports is headed in the wrong direction," Grasso stated, as reported by the Detroit Free Press.
Grasso elaborated on systemic issues affecting collegiate programs and expressed reservations about federal legislative efforts to govern the industry.
"Our current system is in dire need of clarity and equitable reform," he said.
The university administration remains critical of certain provisions within the proposed Protect College Sports Act currently under congressional consideration.
"Rather than looking to conferences such as the Big Ten as models of athletic and academic excellence, it imposes restrictions that disproportionately affect the institution," Grasso said.
The school leadership indicated it would advocate for adjustments to preserve its traditional competitive standing.
"We want what's best for the Big Ten and for Michigan.
We are not going to sacrifice competitive advantage that we built for more than a century," Grasso added.
Prior to his departure, May had endorsed Boynton's capabilities to lead a major program.
"Well, I have no idea if he's going to get another opportunity or when or where. He should.
He's an elite basketball coach," May said.
May emphasized that Boynton played an indispensable role in managing daily operations of the championship team.
"He did a really good job at Oklahoma State, especially considering the circumstances. But he's just as good as I am.
He's just as prepared. He's been invaluable for me," May said.
"He covers my blind spots before they're blind.
There's not a day that goes by that he doesn't call me and want to take something off of my plate that I haven't thought of," May added.
The interim appointment has received public backing from core roster members, including starting guard Trey McKenney and freshman Lincoln Cosby, who affirmed their commitment to remain with the Wolverines under Boynton's leadership.
