Michigan Signs Assistant Mike Boynton to Lead Title Defense

Mike Boynton is the new head coach of the Michigan men's basketball team.

The Wolverines promoted Boynton to a permanent role following the departure of Dusty May. Boynton spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach under May, who led the program to the national title. Michigan initially named Boynton interim head coach after May accepted a position with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. The university subsequently finalized a two-year contract to keep Boynton in the role through the next two seasons.

Boynton returns to the head coaching position at a major program after a seven-year tenure at Oklahoma State. He compiled a 119-109 record and reached the NCAA Tournament once during his time in Stillwater. Oklahoma State terminated his contract after a 12-20 finish in the 2023-24 season. His previous experience informs his current approach to the Michigan roster.

Boynton described his two years on May's staff as a period of professional development. He told reporters during Big Ten media days that working beside May allowed him to observe effective management strategies. "The last two years have been sort of like a sabbatical for me," Boynton said. He added that he learned how to run a high-functioning organization and how to identify specific qualities in players to maximize their potential.

The hiring of Boynton anchors a wave of coaching changes across college basketball. Jerome Tang departed Kansas State after a four-year tenure that included a regional final appearance in his first season. Casey Alexander now leads the Wildcats, bringing a 303-180 career record from previous stints at Stetson, Lipscomb, and Belmont.

Will Wade has returned to LSU for a second stint as head coach. He previously left the school in 2022 following an NCAA citation for recruiting violations. Matt McMahon, who replaced Wade, was fired after a 60-70 record over four seasons. Wade's time away included NCAA Tournament appearances with McNeese and N.C. State.

North Carolina hired Michael Malone, an NBA veteran with a 510-394 record. Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who guided the Tar Heels to the 2022 national championship game. N.C. State appointed Justin Gainey as its first-time head coach after Will Wade departed for LSU. Syracuse named Gerry McNamara, a former player for the Orange, to replace Adrian Autry. McNamara most recently led Siena to an NCAA Tournament bid.