Every Michigan fan right now is probably going through a rollercoaster of emotions. The news of basketball head coach Dusty May leaving Ann Arbor for the Dallas Mavericks job is one that brings on mixed feelings. There is sadness in seeing him leave, but also some joy in pride in him not just going to another college, but making the jump to the NBA.
There is certainly some anger around the fact that athletic director Warde Manuel never actually got May's extension, which was announced back in April, signed. In the end, though, it is true joy in remembering the great memories May gave Michigan fans, leaving them with a National Championship.
Honestly, it simply leaves everyone speechless, even Michigan superfan Dave Portnoy, who is known to make every thought he has heard. Portnoy posted a knee-jerk reaction video to the May news, and actually perfectly describes the feelings of every Michigan fan right now.
"Can't ever get made when a college coach goes to the pros to give it a shot," Portnoy said. "Best of luck, Dusty, brought us a championship. Sucks for Michigan, not the Monday news I wanted to hear."
Kneejerk Reaction to Dusty May leaving Michigan. pic.twitter.com/8EqBzY0VRt
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 22, 2026
Portnoy also said he was planning to name a horse of his 'Dusty Gray,' but will no longer be doing that for obvious reasons. The Barstool President is right, though, it's not like May is leaving for another college job; he is going to the NBA, and fans just can't be mad about that. The news does suck, though, and this could hit Michigan very hard.
Michigan is now in damage control mode with Dusty May heading to the NBA
Just like Portnoy said, this sucks for Michigan, especially just a couple of months after winning a National Championship. May had built the team he knew could still be competitive next season, even with losing a lot of talent to the NBA Draft. However, Manuel can work fast here and try to minimize the damage.
With Michigan now on the hunt for its next head coach, there are a few options open. Manuel could go the route of hiring from within, potentially assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr., who already has a relationship with the players in the program, hoping to keep the team as intact as possible. There is also the route of swinging for the fences and hiring former Florida Gators and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.
Warde could also choose to make a hire now, knowing the coaching cycle next season could bring more candidate choices for the Wolverines. Either way, time is of the essence right now for Michigan, and filling May's position is priority No. 1 for Manuel, at least it should be.
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