Michigan basketball has locked down head coach Dusty May to a multi-year extension. There weren't a lot of details released but it was a kumbaya moment for all involved.
"I am excited to announce that Dusty and I have agreed to a new multi-year contract," said Michigan AD Warde Manuel in an official release. "His commitment to this University and the success of the men's basketball program have 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."
The Michigan athletic director sounded happy, as always and May was just as appreciative in his statement below.
"I am grateful to Warde (Manuel), 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."
Why Michigan basketball fans should be jumping for joy
It felt like this was going to happen. It was only a matter of time. May said he "loved" being at Michigan and scoffed at the idea of leaving Michigan basketball for Indiana after the Wolverines win in Bloomington.
Still, this is a big deal. Michigan basketball found an elite head coach during the offseason -- maybe the next John Beilein. People have said that since he was hired and May has done nothing to dissuade that.
Beilein did what he could to get May to Ann Arbor. That's well-documented, but let's give Manuel his due, not only for hiring May but acting swiftly to keep him.
It's a sign that Michigan basketball will do whatever it takes to keep May happy which also means doing what it takes to keep the Wolverines among the elite. Certainly, May got more money but this is about more than that and that's why Michigan fans should be so excited about this extension.