Dusty May Was Named Dallas Mavericks Head Coach
The former Michigan coach joined the franchise in June 2026.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Basketball
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Dusty May transitioned to the NBA in June 2026 to lead the Dallas Mavericks. His arrival coincided with the team drafting Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick.
Why it matters
May, who led Michigan to a national title, cited persistent frustrations with the college basketball transfer portal as a primary motivation for his move to the professional level.
May finished his tenure at Michigan with a 64-13 record and a 69-63 victory over UConn in the 2026 National Championship. His collegiate performance included a 2-2 record against Michigan State.
The players
Dusty May
He is the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks who previously led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship victory.
Morez Johnson Jr.
He is a professional basketball player who was selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 NBA draft.
The details
May transitioned to the Mavericks after discussing the opportunity during conversations about his college players. The team solidified his debut roster by selecting Morez Johnson Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft at the Barclays Center.
Timeline
March 2024: Dusty May was hired as Michigan head coach.
End of June 2026: May held discussions regarding the Dallas job opportunity.
June 2026: May was officially announced as the Mavericks head coach.
September 26, 2026: May participated in Mavericks Media Day.
Season Trajectory
May's hiring represents a significant shift for the Dallas Mavericks following the 2026 National Championship game. His arrival changes the team's developmental outlook as they integrate high-level draft talent like Morez Johnson Jr. into the rotation.
The selection of Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth pick fundamentally alters the Mavericks' immediate rotation and long-term salary cap planning. Readers should watch how May integrates this top draft asset into the team's existing core following his move from the collegiate ranks.
The takeaway
May's decision highlights the increasing influence of the college transfer portal on coaching career trajectories. His shift to the NBA mirrors a broader trend of successful collegiate coaches seeking professional stability.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's direction, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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