Michigan's May Just Told Everyone He's All In, and North Carolina Has to Look Elsewhere
Michigan coach Dusty May isn't going anywhere. On Sunday, the coach informed university officials he's staying put and won't be pursuing any college basketball jobs, sources told ESPN. That's a definitive answer to the North Carolina question that's been swirling since the Tar Heels fired Hubert Davis last month.
May's Commitment Runs Deep
May had been in North Carolina's initial target list, but that option evaporated the moment Michigan advanced to the national championship game. When asked about the Carolina vacancy this past week in Indianapolis, May wasn't interested in entertaining the speculation.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at Kalshi"After last year, I decided that I'll never, ever respond to any job speculation," May said Friday. "I think it's well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important."
The numbers back up his commitment. May signed a new deal with Michigan last year before leading the Wolverines to the Sweet 16. This season? Michigan is one of the best teams in college basketball, sitting at 36-3 overall after Saturday night's demolition of Arizona. The Wolverines won the Big Ten regular-season title and have 29 wins by double digits. His current deal runs through 2030 and includes a $7 million buyout if he leaves for another job this spring.
North Carolina's Options Are Shrinking
May's decision closes one door for the Tar Heels, who are desperate to turn things around after consecutive first-round tournament exits. North Carolina also lost out on Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, who agreed to a lucrative five-year deal to stay in Tucson on Friday.
With May and Lloyd off the board, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan is expected to be among North Carolina's top targets as they search for their next leader.
Monday Night's Showdown
For now, May's focus is locked in on one thing: UConn. The Wolverines face the Huskies in Monday night's title game, where Michigan will look to cap off one of the best seasons in program history. After the way they've played all year, don't expect May's mind to be anywhere else.
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