Boynton Takes Michigan Helm After May Exits for Dallas

Mike Boynton will direct the basketball operations at the University of Michigan for the next two years. The university signed the 52-year-old to a contract that follows his initial appointment as interim head coach. This move secures a new leader for the program that won the national championship last spring.

Dusty May departed Michigan to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Boynton spent the previous two seasons on May's staff as an assistant coach. He previously led Oklahoma State for seven seasons, compiling a record of 119 wins and 109 losses. His tenure in Stillwater ended after a 12-20 finish in the 2023-24 campaign.

Boynton told reporters during Big Ten media days that his time working alongside May served as a professional sabbatical. He noted that he observed how May managed a high-functioning organization daily. The new Michigan coach said he learned how to identify specific qualities in players and delegate responsibilities effectively.

The hiring of Boynton was the most prominent transaction in a widespread turnover of college basketball head coaches. Several other high-profile programs have also changed leadership. Kansas State replaced Jerome Tang with Casey Alexander. Tang had a record of 26-10 in his first year at the school but finished 45-47 over the next three seasons.

Casey Alexander brings a career record of 303-180 to the program. He coached at Stetson from 2011 to 2013, Lipscomb from 2013 to 2019, and Belmont from 2019 to 2026. Will Wade has returned to LSU for a second stint. He was previously fired from the program in 2022 following a citation for recruiting violations.

Wade succeeded Matt McMahon, who posted a 60-70 record in four seasons at LSU. Wade had previously led McNeese and North Carolina State to NCAA Tournament appearances. North Carolina State has hired Justin Gainey as its first-time head coach. Gainey was a former Wolfpack captain and most recently worked on Rick Barnes' staff at Tennessee.

The University of North Carolina hired Michael Malone, who had no prior ties to the program or previous college head coaching experience. Malone finished with a 510-394 record as an NBA coach from 2013 to 2025. He won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. He replaces Hubert Davis, who reached the NCAA championship game in 2022.

Syracuse has returned Gerry McNamara to the program. McNamara holds the school records for three-point baskets and minutes played. He led Siena to a 23-12 record and an NCAA Tournament bid last season. He replaces Adrian Autry, who was fired after a 49-48 record in three years without an NCAA bid.