Dusty May will not be leaving Michigan after the 2026 NCAA Tournament, even with one of college basketball’s most high-profile jobs available. As his Wolverines prepare to face UConn in the national championship game, May has informed all interested parties that he plans to stay in Ann Arbor.
The decision comes after days of speculation linking May to the open North Carolina head coaching position. However, the 49-year-old coach has opted to remain with Michigan, where he has quickly rebuilt the program into a national contender.
Dusty May Turns Down North Carolina Job Interest
May had been on a short list of candidates for North Carolina’s vacancy, alongside Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd. Both coaches were considered top targets, but each removed themselves from consideration within days of one another.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, May communicated his decision over the weekend, choosing not to pursue the Tar Heels job. The timing is notable, as Michigan is coming off a Final Four win over Arizona and is now preparing for the national title game.
Before the semifinal matchup, May declined to speculate about the opening.
“I’m never going to comment on any job that I don’t have,” May said. “I think it’s well documented how happy I am at Michigan.”
He added, “Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important. Yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you’ll never hear me comment on any other job unless Michigan lets me go and then I’ll comment on every job.”
May Has Built Michigan Into a National Powerhouse
May’s decision follows a rapid turnaround at Michigan. In just two seasons, he has compiled a 63-13 record and led the program to both Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles.
Michigan enters the championship game with a 36-3 record as a No. 1 seed. The Wolverines’ resurgence under May has positioned the program among the elite in college basketball.
Prior to Michigan, May led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023, further establishing his reputation as a program builder. Across eight seasons as a head coach, he owns a 189-82 record, a .697 winning percentage.
Sources told CBS Sports that May determined there was no need to leave for a traditional blue-blood program when he has already built a contender at Michigan.
Dusty May’s Contract and Future at Michigan
May’s current contract keeps it at the Michigan helm through 2030, with a $7 million buyout if he were to leave before April 30, 2026.
Michigan is also positioned for continued success with a strong returning core. Players such as Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara could be back next season. The Wolverines also secured a major recruiting win with five-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr. committing to the program.
While some players could explore NBA opportunities, May has demonstrated an ability to rebuild and maintain roster strength quickly.
Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd also withdrew from consideration for the North Carolina job, agreeing to a five-year, $37.5 million extension with the Wildcats. With both top candidates off the board, North Carolina will continue its search elsewhere.
The 2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball National Championship game between the UConn Huskies and Michigan Wolverines is on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:50 p.m. ET on TBS, TNT, and truTV, and available to stream on NCAA March Madness
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