Michigan Basketball: Boynton Signs Two-Year Deal After May's Departure

Mike Boynton is now the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines on a two-year contract, a move that formalizes his role in defending the program's national title.

Boynton spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach under Dusty May. He previously served as the head coach at Oklahoma State for seven seasons, where he compiled a record of 119-109 and led the team to one NCAA Tournament berth.

The hiring process began immediately after Michigan won the national championship. May departed for the NBA to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Michigan initially named Boynton as the interim head coach before offering him the permanent position.

Boynton described his time on May's staff as a period of intense professional development. Speaking to reporters during Big Ten media days, he said, "The last two years have been sort of like a sabbatical for me."

He elaborated that he learned how to run a high-functioning organization and identify specific qualities in players. "I'm sitting next to this genius every day learning how to delegate responsibilities, and how every day to show up and be even," Boynton added.

The coaching change at Michigan was the most prominent move in a busy offseason for college basketball. Several other major programs replaced their head coaches during the same period.

At Kansas State, Casey Alexander replaced Jerome Tang. Tang was fired after posting a 45-47 record over his final three seasons. Alexander brings a career record of 303-180 from stints at Stetson, Lipscomb, and Belmont.

Louisiana State University hired Will Wade for a second stint after firing him in 2022. Wade had previously led McNeese and N.C. State to NCAA Tournament appearances. N.C. State hired Justin Gainey to replace Wade. Gainey is a former Wolfpack captain who most recently served on Rick Barnes' staff at Tennessee.

North Carolina made an unconventional choice by hiring Michael Malone. Malone had no previous ties to the program and no college head coaching experience. He goes into the role with a 510-394 record from his NBA career, which included a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Syracuse hired Gerry McNamara, who holds the school's career records for three-point baskets and minutes played. McNamara replaced Adrian Autry, who was fired after a 49-48 record in three seasons. Syracuse had led McNamara to a 23-12 record and an NCAA appearance last season.

On the women's side, Pauline Love returned to Alabama after serving as an assistant there in the 2024-25 season. She replaces Kristy Curry, who left for South Florida. Tammi Reiss took over at the program following a 138-73 record in seven years at Rhode Island.

Northwestern hired Carla Berube, who went 147-29 in six years at Princeton. She replaces Joe McKeown, who retired after 18 seasons. Virginia hired Aaron Rousell, who was 148-72 in seven seasons at Richmond and led that team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.