The Dallas Mavericks have hired Dusty May as head head coach. May arrives in Dallas after leading the University of Michigan to the 2026 NCAA National Championship, capping off a remarkable two-year run in Ann Arbor that saw the Wolverines post a 64-13 record and capture their first national title since 1989.
May will be the 11th coach in franchise history. The hiring represents another major move in the Mavericks’ transformation under President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri. It follows the addition of General Manager Mike Schmitz.
“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.”
May has earned a reputation as one of basketball’s premier developers of talent and culture builders. Before his championship run at Michigan, he transformed Florida Atlantic University into a national powerhouse, guiding the Owls to the 2023 Final Four and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances while elevating the program to unprecedented heights.
May began his basketball career as a student manager under legendary Indiana coach Bob Knight before working in video, operations, and support roles at both Indiana and USC. Those experiences helped shape a coaching philosophy centered on preparation, attention to detail, and accountability.
After assistant coaching stops at Eastern Michigan, Murray State, UAB, Louisiana Tech, and Florida, May became head coach at Florida Atlantic in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s brightest coaching minds.
Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont emphasized that May’s leadership qualities were a key factor in the organization’s decision.
“Dusty represents the type of leader we want guiding this franchise,” Dumont said. “He has demonstrated throughout his career that success is built through preparation, character, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
For May, the opportunity represents the next chapter in a coaching career built from the ground up.
“I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization,” May said. “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.”
The hire signals Dallas’ continued commitment to building a sustainable winner. Widely respected for his player development, strategic approach, and ability to establish strong cultures, May will now be tasked with leading a Mavericks team looking to return to championship contention.
With Ujiri, Schmitz, and now May in place, the Mavericks have assembled a leadership group focused on scouting, player development, and long-term success. Dallas is fully committed to building towards a championship in the new era led by Cooper Flagg.