Michigan didn’t have to look far to find Dusty May’s replacement.
Less than a month after May left for the Mavericks, the Wolverines made the interim move permanent on Friday, agreeing to a two-year deal with Mike Boynton Jr. The 44-year-old had already been steering the program in the wake of May’s departure, and now he’s officially the head coach.
The decision keeps Michigan in the same lane it chose immediately after the coaching change: continuity. Boynton was May’s first assistant hire when he arrived in April 2024, and the program leaned into that familiarity by elevating the same coach it had trusted to guide the transition.
That approach paid off quickly on the roster front. Michigan held onto all nine members of its incoming class after May left, preserving what was the No. 2-ranked class in the country.
Athletic director Warde Manuel pointed to Boynton’s track record and his work inside the program as the reason for the move.
"Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," Manuel said. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success. Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton arrives with head coaching experience of his own. Before Michigan, he spent seven seasons at Oklahoma State, where he went 119-109 and led the Cowboys to one NCAA tournament appearance. He was also known for his work developing players, including helping drive Oklahoma State’s push for future 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham.
Boynton was let go after the 2024 season, but Michigan is betting that his mix of experience, recruiting chops and player development can keep the Wolverines steady as they move forward.
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