The Dallas Mavericks made it official on Tuesday, announcing the hiring of Dusty May as the franchise’s next head coach — one day after initial reports surfaced that the Michigan head coach was set to take the position.
May, 49, wrapped up a standout college career that included leading the Wolverines to a 37-3 record and an NCAA Tournament championship during the 2025-26 season, his second year in Ann Arbor.
“I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization,” May said in the team’s official announcement. “This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization. I am grateful to Patrick Dumont, Masai Ujiri, and the Mavericks organization for this opportunity, and I look forward to helping bring another championship to the city of Dallas.”
May steps into the role vacated by Jason Kidd, who and the Mavericks mutually agreed to part ways on May 19 following five seasons as head coach. Dallas struggled last season, finishing 26-56 — the franchise’s worst record since the 2017-18 campaign.
While May has never coached at the professional level, his track record in college basketball speaks for itself. In two seasons leading Michigan, he went 64-13. When he arrived, the program was coming off an 8-24 season.
Before joining the Wolverines, May replaced Juwan Howard at Michigan after building a remarkable résumé at Florida Atlantic, where he spent six seasons from 2018 to 2024 and compiled a 126-69 record. His most memorable moment there came in 2023, when he guided the Owls on a surprise run to the Final Four — a run that ended when San Diego State knocked them out on a buzzer-beating shot.
Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri praised the hire in the team’s announcement. “We set out to find a leader who embodies the values we want to define our organization,” Ujiri said. “Dusty has won at every stage of his career because of his ability to build. He develops players, creates accountability, and brings people together around a shared standard of excellence. His work ethic is extraordinary, and his teams consistently reflect his values.”
Ujiri continued: “When you study his journey, you see someone who has earned every opportunity through preparation, discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. We believe those qualities make him the right leader for the Dallas Mavericks.”
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont also weighed in, saying, “Dusty represents the type of leader we want guiding this franchise. He has demonstrated throughout his career that success is built through preparation, character, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His leadership style, ability to develop people, and championship mindset align with the vision we have for the Dallas Mavericks. We are thrilled to welcome Dusty, his wife Anna, and their sons Jack, Charlie, and Eli to the Mavericks family.”
A formal introductory press conference will be held at a later date, according to the team. In the meantime, May’s attention turns immediately to the NBA Draft, which got underway Tuesday night. Dallas holds the ninth and 30th picks in the first round.
