Who Is Michigan Basketball Coach? Dusty May Profile

By Sarah Miller · February 14, 2054

The current head coach of the University of Michigan men's basketball team is Dusty May, who was hired in March 2024 after leading Florida Atlantic University to a remarkable NCAA Tournament run in 2023.

Who Is the Michigan Basketball Coach?

Dusty May is the man now leading the Wolverines' men's basketball program. He officially took over as head coach in March 2024, replacing Juwan Howard, whose tenure ended after five seasons. May's appointment marked a significant shift for the program, bringing in a coach known for his strategic mind, player development, and ability to maximize team performance.

Background and Coaching Career

Early Life and Playing Career

Before becoming a head coach, Dusty May played college basketball at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he was a walk-on guard. Though not a star player, his deep understanding of the game began to take shape during his time on the court and as a student assistant coach.

Rise Through the Coaching Ranks

Started as a video coordinator at Kansas under Roy Williams
Served as an assistant at UTEP, working under Tony Barbee and later Tim Floyd
Spent time at Louisiana Tech as associate head coach, gaining experience in program building
Became head coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2017

Success at Florida Atlantic University

May transformed FAU into a competitive mid-major program. In 2023, he led the Owls to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and a stunning run to the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 9 seed, defeating top-seeded Kansas in the process. That season, FAU posted a 35-4 record, the most wins in school history.

Coaching Philosophy

May is known for:

A disciplined, defense-first approach
Strong emphasis on analytics and film study
Player development and maximizing role clarity
Recruiting undervalued prospects and transfers

Season	Team	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Postseason Result
2017–18	FAU	11–20	6–12	—
2018–19	FAU	18–16	7–11	CBI Quarterfinals
2019–20	FAU	17–15	8–10	—
2020–21	FAU	13–7	7–5	—
2021–22	FAU	26–4	15–2	NIT First Round
2022–23	FAU	35–4	17–1	NCAA Sweet Sixteen
2023–24	Michigan (Projected)	TBD	TBD	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates May's steady improvement at FAU, turning around a struggling program into a national contender within six seasons. His 2022–23 campaign stands out with a 35–4 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, showcasing his ability to build a cohesive, high-performing team.

Transition to Michigan

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel sought a coach with a proven track record of building programs and developing players. May’s success at FAU, combined with his Midwestern roots (born in Michigan) and prior Big Ten familiarity, made him an ideal candidate. He officially signed a multi-year contract with the Wolverines in March 2024.

Expectations for the Michigan Era

Restore consistency to a program that has fluctuated post-John Beilein
Improve defensive efficiency and rebounding
Strengthen recruiting in the Midwest and nationally
Return Michigan to the NCAA Tournament regularly

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Basketball Coach

Who is the current head coach of Michigan basketball?

Dusty May is the current head coach of the University of Michigan men's basketball team, having been hired in March 2024.

When was Dusty May hired by Michigan?

Dusty May was hired by the University of Michigan on March 24, 2024, following the conclusion of the 2023–24 college basketball season.

What was Dusty May’s record at FAU?

Over six seasons at FAU, Dusty May compiled a 130–74 overall record (.637 winning percentage), including a historic 35–4 season in 2022–23 that ended in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

Did Dusty May play college basketball?

Yes, Dusty May played college basketball at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1996 to 2000 as a walk-on guard before transitioning into coaching.

What is Dusty May’s coaching style?

Dusty May emphasizes defense, discipline, player development, and analytics. He is known for building strong team chemistry and maximizing the potential of under-the-radar recruits and transfers.