Breaking: Michigan Wolverines Basketball Head Coach Dusty Allan May Earns AP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year Honors for the Third Consecutive Year
In a historic and unprecedented achievement, Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty Allan May has been named the Associated Press (AP) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. This rare and remarkable feat cements May’s place among college basketball’s coaching elite and speaks volumes about the transformation he has orchestrated in Ann Arbor since taking over the program.
May, who joined the Wolverines just three years ago, inherited a team that had been struggling to find consistency and national relevance. With his disciplined coaching style, innovative offensive schemes, and commitment to player development, he has not only turned the team into a perennial Big Ten powerhouse but has also propelled Michigan back into the national spotlight.
The AP Coach of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, and winning it once is a major milestone in any coach’s career. But earning the title three years in a row is a testament to May’s sustained excellence, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. Few coaches in NCAA history have managed such a streak, and May now finds himself in rare company.
Under his guidance, the Wolverines have compiled an impressive win-loss record over the past three seasons, consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally and making deep NCAA tournament runs. This past season, Michigan not only won the Big Ten regular season title but also reached the Final Four, marking their second appearance at that stage under May’s leadership. The team has played with a signature toughness and unity that reflects their coach’s personality and philosophy.
What sets May apart is his ability to build a culture of accountability and selflessness. Players often speak of his direct but caring approach, where high expectations are paired with deep support and mentorship. His recruiting strategy emphasizes character and basketball IQ as much as raw talent, and the results speak for themselves: multiple players have developed into NBA-ready prospects under his watch, and Michigan’s national brand has never been stronger.
May’s journey to Michigan was anything but conventional. Before arriving in Ann Arbor, he served as head coach at Florida Atlantic University, where he built a competitive program that exceeded expectations. His success there caught the attention of top-tier athletic programs, and Michigan made a bold move by appointing him as their next head coach. That decision has proven to be one of the most impactful in the program’s history.
Beyond the wins and accolades, May has also been a champion for academic achievement and community engagement. His players consistently maintain strong academic standing, and the team is known for its involvement in outreach programs throughout Michigan. This holistic approach to coaching is part of what has made him such a beloved figure among fans, alumni, and peers.
As the Wolverines look ahead to next season, expectations are once again sky-high. With several key players returning and another strong recruiting class on the way, Michigan is poised to remain a national contender. More importantly, with Dusty Allan May at the helm, the program has a clear identity and direction rooted in excellence, resilience, and unity.
In the fast-moving world of college basketball, where coaching changes and program instability are increasingly common, May’s continued success offers a blueprint for building something lasting and meaningful. His third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is not just a personal honor—it’s a celebration of a program revived, a team transformed, and a coach who is rewriting the story of Michigan basketball, one
season at a time.