Michigan Just Made a Risky Bet, And Josh Schertz Already Has The Winning Hand

Alright, Michigan basketball fans, listen up! You know that feeling when your star player leaves unexpectedly? Well, that just happened in Ann Arbor. Dusty May, the guy who took the Wolverines to the absolute pinnacle in just two seasons, is out. He’s headed to the NBA, off to the Dallas Mavericks. And Michigan’s big move to replace him? They’re reportedly promoting Mike Boynton Jr. to “interim” coach. Yeah, you heard that right, interim. That word alone should tell you everything about the stakes here. This isn’t a long-term commitment, it’s a high-stakes trial run, and frankly, Michigan’s got another name they should be thinking about already.

Why "Interim" Is the Scariest Word in Coaching

Let's be real, hiring a new college hoops coach in late June? That’s not ideal timing for anyone. Michigan went with continuity, elevating Boynton, a valuable assistant to May. But that "interim" tag screams "experiment." The Wolverines are banking on Boynton keeping their elite recruiting class and current talent together for a deep NCAA Tournament run. If he crushes it, he sheds the label, fantastic. But Michigan isn’t some small-time program. They boast top-tier resources, and in this crazy NIL and transfer-portal world, money talks. This job is too good to settle for a long-term gamble based on an emergency hire. If Boynton wobbles even a little, the job needs to open up next spring for a full, wide-ranging search. And that's where the real conversation begins.

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Josh Schertz: The Name Michigan Needs On Speed Dial

So, who’s Michigan’s backup plan, their ace in the hole? Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz. He would have been the natural heir to May if the job had opened just two months ago, and guess what? He’s not going anywhere between now and March. Schertz famously passed on Syracuse and NC State, opting to stay at SLU. Maybe, just maybe, he was waiting for a better opportunity, and Michigan absolutely fits that bill. This guy and Dusty May are actually good pals, too. Schertz called May an “incredible resource” and said they’re “always picking each other’s brain.” Schertz knows how to grind. He spent over a decade in Division II before Indiana State wisely snapped him up. His resume is stacked: multiple D-II Final Fours, an NIT runner-up finish, and an NCAA Tournament win in his second season at SLU, setting a school record for wins. Compare that to Boynton's single NCAA Tournament appearance in seven seasons at Oklahoma State, a tenure that got sideways with an FBI investigation. If Schertz can outperform Boynton this season, Michigan needs to dust off the "Hire Dusty" playbook. Remember, May took Florida Atlantic to consecutive NCAA Tournaments and a Final Four before Michigan plundered him. He hadn't peaked yet, and neither has Schertz. His up-tempo, 3-point heavy offense mirrors May’s style. It just makes sense, right?

This season for Michigan isn't just about winning games, it's a giant tryout for Mike Boynton Jr. The clock is ticking. If he doesn’t lock it down, Michigan needs to have Josh Schertz’s number ready to dial next spring. The stakes are high, and the right coach could take Michigan back to the pinnacle of college basketball, just like May did. Keep your eyes peeled, because this is going to be one wild ride to watch unfold.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.