Dallas Mavericks name Michigan's Dusty May as their next head coach
The Dallas Mavericks have decided on Dusty May as their next head coach, the team officially announced on Tuesday.
"I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization," May said after the news of his hiring. "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, 49, spent the past two seasons as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, which won the NCAA championship in April. Before that, he was head coach at Florida Atlantic University from 2018 to 2024, taking the Owls to the Final Four in 2023. May has spent his entire career in the college coaching ranks.
The decision to hire May fell to Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, who took over the team last month following the firing of former GM Nico Harrison in November. Ujiri removed Jason Kidd as the Mavs head coach just over a month ago.
"We set out to find a leader who embodies the values we want to define our organization," Ujiri said in a statement. "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."
He also complimented May's work ethic and said all of his qualities make him a great choice to lead the Mavericks.
The hire comes at a critical time, with the NBA Draft coming up on Tuesday night. The Mavericks hold the No. 9 and No. 30 picks in the first round. The latest mock draft from CBS Sports predicts the Mavs selecting Arizona freshman guard Brayden Burries at No. 9, but Michigan big man Aday Mara may also be available at that spot, potentially giving May a shot at reuniting with his center in the NBA.
May and Ujiri will now be tasked with constructing the Mavericks roster around the NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
A task that Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont believes they can do.
"His leadership style, ability to develop people, and championship mindset align with the vision we have for the Dallas Mavericks," Dumont said in a statement.
