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NCAA: Dusty May informs Michigan officials of intention to stay put, spurn UNC

Michigan coach Dusty May has confirmed he will not pursue the North Carolina job, reaffirming his commitment to the Wolverines as they prepare for Monday’s NCAA Championship against UConn.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA

Reuters

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April 6, 2026

NCAA: Dusty May informs Michigan officials of intention to stay put, spurn UNC

Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) and head coach Dusty May speak to reporters after their semifinal match against the Arizona Wildcats during the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 4, 2026.

Trevor Ruszkowski / Reuters

Michigan head coach Dusty May has informed officials that he will not consider a position in North Carolina's coaching search—or any other job—ESPN reported Sunday.


May, 49, has led the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in only his second season in Ann Arbor. After guiding Michigan to the Sweet 16 last year, May’s team sits at 36-3 ahead of Monday's championship matchup against UConn.


The Tarheels have been searching for a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. With the transfer portal opening Tuesday, North Carolina faces pressure to fill the position but has also been exploring coaches still active in the tournament.


Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd was a top candidate until Friday, when he received a major contract extension to stay with the Wildcats. This sparked speculation that the Tarheels might look to another Final Four coach.


Following Lloyd’s extension, May—who has a $7 million buyout—addressed the rumors, reaffirming his commitment to Michigan.


"After last year, I decided that I'll never, ever respond to any job speculation," May said. "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."


Interestingly, May’s Wolverines defeated Lloyd’s Arizona team in a one-sided matchup on Saturday, 91-73.


North Carolina finished 24-9 this season, exiting in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also withdrawn from consideration. Other reported candidates include Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington.


—Field Level Media/Reuters

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