The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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32 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MAY 2026 BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan coach Dusty May became a hot commodity for teams look- ing to replace coaches this year, not surprising given his success. While he was focused on his team's run to a na- tional championship, which culminated in a 69-63 title game win over UConn, North Carolina and others reportedly had him on their wish lists. Initially — before the Final Four — May said he wasn't going to talk about any job that wasn't his. "After last year, I decided that I'll never, ever respond to any job specula- tion," May said. "I think it's well-docu- mented how happy I am at Michigan. My private life, my personal life, my family … their happiness is very important." But when the rumors wouldn't stop, media turned to Michigan athletics di- rector Warde Manuel for answers. Sev- eral surrounded him on the court after the Wolverines beat Tennessee to reach the Final Four. "Any A.D. in America would want to have a coach that other people want," Manuel said after Michigan captured the Midwest regional title. "I've had the op- posite problem. … I love this problem more than I love the opposite problem. We'll deal with it. We'll work through it. "I want Dusty to finish his career here at Michigan, and I'll work to make sure that he's happy and we have what we need — he has what he needs — to suc- ceed. That's it. Period. Look around you. What better job is there in America than this?" For May, there wasn't one. It leaked that he told Michigan he wasn't going anywhere, and he later told CBS' Jon Rothstein after the tournament U-M would "100 percent" be his last college stop. While that leaves the NBA door open — and to be clear, though it's ob- vious he likes the pro game, there's no indication he's looking to coach there — that was music to Michigan fans' ears. "I was 100 percent consumed with finishing that run and then pivoting to whatever was next," May said. "Even if you're not going to have leverage, and you're not going to be able to do certain things that coaches typically do, it was more along the lines of, 'I trust you guys will do everything that's right for us to take the next step as a program.' And I have no intention of leaving and let's finish this thing the right way." The decision to come to Ann Arbor was a family one in the first place, and they all agreed it was perfect for them, including his wife Anna. "There's different stages of life that we all go through. Right now, I couldn't be more fulfilled, professionally and per- sonally, than I am right now," May said. "We have a great family environment, With his first NCAA title in hand, May inked a new deal with Michigan in April that is expected to rise well above his $4.6 million base salary this year. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL ❱ MICHIGAN BASKETBALL Dusty May Agrees To A New Contract