Michigan first-year coach gets contract extension, ending Indiana rumors
Michigan basketball coach Dusty May doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, as the first-year coach agreed to a contract extension with the Wolverines on Friday.
May signed a multi-year deal, athletic director Warde Manuel announced. May, a previous student manager at Indiana under legendary coach Bob Knight, had been linked to the Hoosiers opening for next season after Mike Woodson announced he will retire after the 2024-25 season. The announcement essentially puts those rumors to rest.
‘I am excited to announce that Dusty and I have agreed to a new multi-year contract,’ Manuel said in a statement. ‘His commitment to this University and the success of the men’s basketball program has far exceeded our expectations and makes us all excited for what the future holds. I look forward to Dusty, Anna, and his family remaining a part of the fabric of this University and community for many years to come.’
May left Florida Atlantic after six seasons to coach Michigan last offseason, and he has already turned around the No. 12 Wolverines, who are currently atop the Big Ten standings ahead of an in-state rivalry matchup with No. 13 Michigan State Friday night. May became one of the top names in the college basketball coaching carousel after leading the Owls to the Final Four in 2023.
‘I am grateful to Warde, U-M President Santa Ono, and all the members of the Board of Regents for the trust and support they have given me as the head coach,’ May said. ‘My goal is to bring continued success to this historic program. We cannot reach that goal without the hard work that my staff and players put into this program. We have built a solid foundation; however, there is much more work to be done. I look forward to those challenges and what the future holds for me and my family in Ann Arbor.’
May was asked about the Indiana opening after Michigan’s 70-67 win over the Hoosiers on Feb. 8, and he shot down the rumors connecting him to the opening, given his history with the school.
‘I love being at Michigan. I love our team. We’re fighting like crazy. That’s it,’ May said. ‘This place is my foundation, but I’m very, very happy at the University of Michigan. Came here to win a game, and mission accomplished.’
Woodson and Indiana have struggled the past two seasons, failing to make the NCAA tournament a year ago and on pace to do so again in 2024-25.
Dusty May contract
May’s contract extension announcement did not detail the changes to his original deal, which he signed for five years and an average of $3.825 million annually last offseason, according to his contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
He was also previously set for $300,000 retention bonuses in 2027 and 2028, but it’s unclear if that will be included in his updated contract announced Friday.
(This story was updated to add additional contract details.)